2003 Kia Opirus 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 Kia Opirus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Kia Opirus would be higher. At 4,009 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Mercury Mountaineer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercury Mountaineer (210 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 2003 Kia Opirus. (196 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercury Mountaineer should accelerate faster than 2003 Kia Opirus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercury Mountaineer weights approximately 165 kg more than 2003 Kia Opirus. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Mercury Mountaineer is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 Kia Opirus. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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, 2009 Mercury Mountaineer (344 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Kia Opirus. (295 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 Mercury Mountaineer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Kia Opirus.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Kia Opirus | 2009 Mercury Mountaineer | |
| Make | Kia | Mercury |
| Model | Opirus | Mountaineer |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3497 cc | 4009 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 196 HP | 210 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 295 Nm | 344 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1760 kg | 1925 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4960 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1860 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2890 mm |
