2003 Acura TL vs. 2009 Mercury Mariner
To start off, 2009 Mercury Mariner is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Acura TL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Acura TL would be higher. At 3,210 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Acura TL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercury Mariner (240 HP @ 6550 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 2003 Acura TL. (225 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercury Mariner should accelerate faster than 2003 Acura TL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercury Mariner weights approximately 347 kg more than 2003 Acura TL. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than 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, 2009 Mercury Mariner (302 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Acura TL. (294 Nm @ 4700 RPM). This means 2009 Mercury Mariner will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Acura TL.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Acura TL | 2009 Mercury Mariner | |
| Make | Acura | Mercury |
| Model | TL | Mariner |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3210 cc | 2967 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 225 HP | 240 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6550 RPM |
| Torque | 294 Nm | 302 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4700 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1578 kg | 1925 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4900 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 62 L |
