2006 Lexus IS vs. 2004 Mercury Mariner
To start off, 2006 Lexus IS is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Mercury Mariner. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Mercury Mariner would be higher. At 2,999 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Mercury Mariner is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mercury Mariner (197 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 2006 Lexus IS. (153 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mercury Mariner should accelerate faster than 2006 Lexus IS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercury Mariner weights approximately 65 kg more than 2006 Lexus IS. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 Lexus IS 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 2006 Lexus IS. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Mercury Mariner, 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, 2004 Mercury Mariner (262 Nm @ 4850 RPM) has 67 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Lexus IS. (195 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 2004 Mercury Mariner will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Lexus IS. 2004 Mercury Mariner has automatic transmission and 2006 Lexus IS has manual transmission. 2006 Lexus IS will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Mercury Mariner will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Lexus IS | 2004 Mercury Mariner | |
| Make | Lexus | Mercury |
| Model | IS | Mariner |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1988 cc | 2999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 195 Nm | 262 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 4850 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75.1 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 80 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1505 kg | 1570 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 72 L |
