2008 Dodge Caliber vs. 2003 Mercury Marauder
To start off, 2008 Dodge Caliber is newer by 5 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 2008 Dodge Caliber. (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercury Marauder should accelerate faster than 2008 Dodge Caliber. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercury Marauder weights approximately 400 kg more than 2008 Dodge Caliber. 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, 2008 Dodge Caliber, 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 @ 4250 RPM) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Dodge Caliber. (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 2003 Mercury Marauder will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Dodge Caliber. 2003 Mercury Marauder has automatic transmission and 2008 Dodge Caliber has manual transmission. 2008 Dodge Caliber will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Mercury Marauder will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Dodge Caliber | 2003 Mercury Marauder | |
| Make | Dodge | Mercury |
| Model | Caliber | Marauder |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 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 | 320 Nm | 420 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 10.1:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1485 kg | 1885 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4420 mm | 5390 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1990 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2900 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.3 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 72 L |
