2003 Ford C-MAX vs. 1999 Mercury Mountaineer
To start off, 2003 Ford C-MAX is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Mercury Mountaineer. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Mercury Mountaineer would be higher. At 4,948 cc (8 cylinders), 1999 Mercury Mountaineer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Mercury Mountaineer (212 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 68 more horse power than 2003 Ford C-MAX. (144 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Mercury Mountaineer should accelerate faster than 2003 Ford C-MAX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Mercury Mountaineer weights approximately 563 kg more than 2003 Ford C-MAX. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1999 Mercury Mountaineer is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 Ford C-MAX. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 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, 1999 Mercury Mountaineer (390 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 46 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Ford C-MAX. (344 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1999 Mercury Mountaineer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Ford C-MAX. 1999 Mercury Mountaineer has automatic transmission and 2003 Ford C-MAX has manual transmission. 2003 Ford C-MAX will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1999 Mercury Mountaineer will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ford C-MAX | 1999 Mercury Mountaineer | |
| Make | Ford | Mercury |
| Model | C-MAX | Mountaineer |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Minivan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1999 cc | 4948 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 144 HP | 212 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 344 Nm | 390 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1392 kg | 1955 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4340 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1600 mm | 1800 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2840 mm |
