2003 Lexus IS 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 Lexus IS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Lexus IS would be higher. At 2,501 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Mercury Mariner is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercury Mariner (170 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 2003 Lexus IS. (153 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercury Mariner should accelerate faster than 2003 Lexus IS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercury Mariner weights approximately 525 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 2003 Lexus IS 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 Lexus IS. 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 Lexus IS (196 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mercury Mariner. (171 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2003 Lexus IS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mercury Mariner.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Lexus IS | 2009 Mercury Mariner | |
| Make | Lexus | Mercury |
| Model | IS | Mariner |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1988 cc | 2501 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 196 Nm | 171 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1400 kg | 1925 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 62 L |
