2005 Kia Optima vs. 2003 Mercury Marauder
To start off, 2005 Kia Optima is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Mercury Marauder. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Mercury Marauder would be higher. At 4,606 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Mercury Marauder is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercury Marauder (296 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 158 more horse power than 2005 Kia Optima. (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercury Marauder should accelerate faster than 2005 Kia Optima. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercury Marauder weights approximately 388 kg more than 2005 Kia Optima. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 Mercury Marauder 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 Mercury Marauder. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Kia Optima, 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 Marauder (420 Nm) has 221 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Kia Optima. (199 Nm). This means 2003 Mercury Marauder will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Kia Optima.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Kia Optima | 2003 Mercury Marauder | |
| Make | Kia | Mercury |
| Model | Optima | Marauder |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2360 cc | 4606 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 296 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 199 Nm | 420 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.1:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1497 kg | 1885 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 5390 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1990 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2900 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.4 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 72 L |
