2002 Ford Taurus vs. 2005 Mercury Mountaineer
To start off, 2005 Mercury Mountaineer is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Ford Taurus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Ford Taurus would be higher. At 3,996 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Mercury Mountaineer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercury Mountaineer (202 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 2002 Ford Taurus. (153 HP @ 4900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercury Mountaineer should accelerate faster than 2002 Ford Taurus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercury Mountaineer weights approximately 572 kg more than 2002 Ford Taurus. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 Mercury Mountaineer is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2002 Ford Taurus. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Mercury Mountaineer will offer significantly more control. 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, 2005 Mercury Mountaineer (339 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 95 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Ford Taurus. (244 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 2005 Mercury Mountaineer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Ford Taurus.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Ford Taurus | 2005 Mercury Mountaineer | |
| Make | Ford | Mercury |
| Model | Taurus | Mountaineer |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2933 cc | 3996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 202 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 244 Nm | 339 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1477 kg | 2049 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 4860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1850 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2870 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.8 L/100km | 11.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 85 L |
