2008 Dodge Nitro vs. 2003 Mercury Monterey
To start off, 2008 Dodge Nitro is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Mercury Monterey. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Mercury Monterey would be higher. At 4,194 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Mercury Monterey is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Dodge Nitro (210 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 2003 Mercury Monterey. (198 HP @ 4250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Dodge Nitro should accelerate faster than 2003 Mercury Monterey. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercury Monterey weights approximately 319 kg more than 2008 Dodge Nitro.
Because 2008 Dodge Nitro 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 2008 Dodge Nitro. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Mercury Monterey, 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 Monterey (359 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Dodge Nitro. (319 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2003 Mercury Monterey will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Dodge Nitro. 2003 Mercury Monterey has automatic transmission and 2008 Dodge Nitro has manual transmission. 2008 Dodge Nitro will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Mercury Monterey will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
2008 Dodge Nitro | 2003 Mercury Monterey | |
Make | Dodge | Mercury |
Model | Nitro | Monterey |
Year Released | 2008 | 2003 |
Body Type | SUV | Minivan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3701 cc | 4194 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 210 HP | 198 HP |
Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4250 RPM |
Torque | 319 Nm | 359 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1691 kg | 2010 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 5120 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1950 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1750 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 3070 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 74 L | 98 L |