2004 Mercury Monterey vs. 2003 Vector M12
To start off, 2004 Mercury Monterey is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Vector M12. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Vector M12 would be higher. At 5,707 cc (12 cylinders), 2003 Vector M12 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Vector M12 (484 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 286 more horse power than 2004 Mercury Monterey. (198 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Vector M12 should accelerate faster than 2004 Mercury Monterey. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercury Monterey weights approximately 381 kg more than 2003 Vector M12.
Because 2003 Vector M12 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 Vector M12. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 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 Vector M12 (576 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 217 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mercury Monterey. (359 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2003 Vector M12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Mercury Monterey. 2004 Mercury Monterey has automatic transmission and 2003 Vector M12 has manual transmission. 2003 Vector M12 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Mercury Monterey will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Mercury Monterey | 2003 Vector M12 | |
| Make | Mercury | Vector |
| Model | Monterey | M12 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 4194 cc | 5707 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 198 HP | 484 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 359 Nm | 576 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2011 kg | 1630 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5570 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 2030 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1140 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3210 mm | 2750 mm |
