2003 Ford Explorer vs. 2009 Mercury Mountaineer
To start off, 2009 Mercury Mountaineer is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Ford Explorer. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Ford Explorer would be higher. At 4,014 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Ford Explorer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, both vehicles can yield 210 horse power. So under normal driving conditions, the acceleration of both vehicles should be relatively similar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Ford Explorer weights approximately 14 kg more than 2009 Mercury Mountaineer.
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, 2009 Mercury Mountaineer (344 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Ford Explorer. (335 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Mercury Mountaineer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Ford Explorer. 2009 Mercury Mountaineer has automatic transmission and 2003 Ford Explorer has manual transmission. 2003 Ford Explorer will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Mercury Mountaineer will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ford Explorer | 2009 Mercury Mountaineer | |
| Make | Ford | Mercury |
| Model | Explorer | Mountaineer |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2009 |
| Body Type | SUV | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4014 cc | 4009 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 210 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 335 Nm | 344 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1939 kg | 1925 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5240 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1860 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3490 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 11.8 L/100km | 12.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 15.7 L/100km | 18.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.8 L/100km | 15.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 85 L |
