2006 Mercury Mountaineer vs. 2003 Saturn L
To start off, 2006 Mercury Mountaineer is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Saturn L. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Saturn L would be higher. At 4,605 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 Mercury Mountaineer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercury Mountaineer (292 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 157 more horse power than 2003 Saturn L. (135 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercury Mountaineer should accelerate faster than 2003 Saturn L. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercury Mountaineer weights approximately 605 kg more than 2003 Saturn L. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 Mercury Mountaineer is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 Saturn L. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Mercury Mountaineer 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, 2006 Mercury Mountaineer (408 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 209 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Saturn L. (199 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2006 Mercury Mountaineer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Saturn L.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mercury Mountaineer | 2003 Saturn L | |
| Make | Mercury | Saturn |
| Model | Mountaineer | L |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2003 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4605 cc | 2196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 292 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 408 Nm | 199 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1925 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1860 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 59 L |
