2003 Lexus IS vs. 2004 Mercury Montego
To start off, 2004 Mercury Montego is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Lexus IS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Lexus IS would be higher. At 3,392 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Mercury Montego is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mercury Montego (223 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 2003 Lexus IS. (153 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mercury Montego should accelerate faster than 2003 Lexus IS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercury Montego weights approximately 330 kg more than 2003 Lexus IS. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2004 Mercury Montego is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 Lexus IS. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Mercury Montego 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, 2004 Mercury Montego (326 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 130 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Lexus IS. (196 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 2004 Mercury Montego will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Lexus IS.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Lexus IS | 2004 Mercury Montego | |
| Make | Lexus | Mercury |
| Model | IS | Montego |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1988 cc | 3392 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 223 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 196 Nm | 326 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1400 kg | 1730 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 5100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2870 mm |
