2003 Mercury Monterey vs. 2012 Kia Optima
To start off, 2012 Kia Optima is newer by 9 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 32 more horse power than 2012 Kia Optima. (166 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercury Monterey should accelerate faster than 2012 Kia Optima. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercury Monterey weights approximately 427 kg more than 2012 Kia Optima. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 150 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Kia Optima. (209 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2003 Mercury Monterey will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Kia Optima.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mercury Monterey | 2012 Kia Optima | |
| Make | Mercury | Kia |
| Model | Monterey | Optima |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4194 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 198 HP | 166 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 359 Nm | 209 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2010 kg | 1583 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5120 mm | 4844 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1831 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1750 mm | 1455 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3070 mm | 2797 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 98 L | 65 L |
