2003 Chevrolet Tahoe 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 Chevrolet Tahoe. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe would be higher. At 4,807 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe (260 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 88 more horse power than 2009 Mercury Mariner. (172 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe should accelerate faster than 2009 Mercury Mariner. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe weights approximately 337 kg more than 2009 Mercury Mariner. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Mercury Mariner, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe (393 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 161 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mercury Mariner. (232 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mercury Mariner.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe | 2009 Mercury Mariner | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mercury |
| Model | Tahoe | Mariner |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2009 |
| Body Type | SUV | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4807 cc | 2488 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 260 HP | 172 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 393 Nm | 232 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83 mm | 94 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 6 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2262 kg | 1925 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5060 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1890 mm | 1780 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2630 mm |
