2005 Mercury Mariner vs. 2011 Kia Optima
To start off, 2011 Kia Optima is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Mercury Mariner. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Mercury Mariner would be higher. At 2,400 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Kia Optima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Kia Optima (200 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 2005 Mercury Mariner. (153 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Kia Optima should accelerate faster than 2005 Mercury Mariner. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercury Mariner weights approximately 125 kg more than 2011 Kia Optima.
Because 2005 Mercury Mariner is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2011 Kia Optima. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 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, 2011 Kia Optima (252 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 46 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mercury Mariner. (206 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2011 Kia Optima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mercury Mariner. 2005 Mercury Mariner has automatic transmission and 2011 Kia Optima has manual transmission. 2011 Kia Optima will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Mercury Mariner will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mercury Mariner | 2011 Kia Optima | |
| Make | Mercury | Kia |
| Model | Mariner | Optima |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2011 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2261 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 206 Nm | 252 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1579 kg | 1454 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4844 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1831 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1730 mm | 1455 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2797 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 10.2 L/100km | 6.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.8 L/100km | 9.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 70 L |
