2003 Mazda 6 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 Mazda 6. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Mazda 6 would be higher. At 2,488 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Mercury Mariner is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercury Mariner (171 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 2003 Mazda 6. (119 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercury Mariner should accelerate faster than 2003 Mazda 6. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercury Mariner weights approximately 505 kg more than 2003 Mazda 6. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Mercury Mariner is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 Mazda 6. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Mercury Mariner 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 Mariner (233 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mazda 6. (168 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2009 Mercury Mariner will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mazda 6. 2009 Mercury Mariner has automatic transmission and 2003 Mazda 6 has manual transmission. 2003 Mazda 6 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Mercury Mariner will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mazda 6 | 2009 Mercury Mariner | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercury |
| Model | 6 | Mariner |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1798 cc | 2488 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 119 HP | 171 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1420 kg | 1925 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4690 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1780 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 62 L |
