2003 Mercury Monterey vs. 2009 Toyota Tacoma
To start off, 2009 Toyota Tacoma is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Mercury Monterey. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Mercury Monterey would be higher. At 4,194 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Mercury Monterey is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercury Monterey (198 HP @ 4250 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 2009 Toyota Tacoma. (157 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercury Monterey should accelerate faster than 2009 Toyota Tacoma. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercury Monterey weights approximately 936 kg more than 2009 Toyota Tacoma. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Toyota Tacoma 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 2009 Toyota Tacoma. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Mercury Monterey, 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 Mercury Monterey (359 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 179 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Toyota Tacoma. (180 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2003 Mercury Monterey will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Toyota Tacoma. 2003 Mercury Monterey has automatic transmission and 2009 Toyota Tacoma has manual transmission. 2009 Toyota Tacoma will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Mercury Monterey will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mercury Monterey | 2009 Toyota Tacoma | |
| Make | Mercury | Toyota |
| Model | Monterey | Tacoma |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4194 cc | 2701 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 198 HP | 157 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 359 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 3 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2010 kg | 1074 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5120 mm | 5290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1750 mm | 1780 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3070 mm | 3240 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 98 L | 79 L |
