2002 Ford Escape vs. 2004 Mercury Mariner
To start off, 2004 Mercury Mariner is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Ford Escape. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Ford Escape would be higher. At 2,260 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Mercury Mariner is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mercury Mariner (152 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 2002 Ford Escape. (128 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mercury Mariner should accelerate faster than 2002 Ford Escape. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercury Mariner weights approximately 75 kg more than 2002 Ford Escape. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are four wheel drive (4WD) - it offers better handling, traction, and control in all driving conditions compared with front wheel drive or rear wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2004 Mercury Mariner (206 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 38 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Ford Escape. (168 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2004 Mercury Mariner will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Ford Escape. 2004 Mercury Mariner has automatic transmission and 2002 Ford Escape has manual transmission. 2002 Ford Escape will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Mercury Mariner will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Ford Escape | 2004 Mercury Mariner | |
| Make | Ford | Mercury |
| Model | Escape | Mariner |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2004 |
| Body Type | SUV | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1988 cc | 2260 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 128 HP | 152 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1470 kg | 1545 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 62 L |
