2008 Mazda 3 vs. 2009 Mercury Mariner
To start off, 2009 Mercury Mariner is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Mazda 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Mazda 3 would be higher. At 2,488 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Mercury Mariner is equipped with a bigger engine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercury Mariner weights approximately 745 kg more than 2008 Mazda 3.
Because 2009 Mercury Mariner is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2008 Mazda 3. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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, 2009 Mercury Mariner (233 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 87 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda 3. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Mercury Mariner will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda 3. 2009 Mercury Mariner has automatic transmission and 2008 Mazda 3 has manual transmission. 2008 Mazda 3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Mercury Mariner will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mazda 3 | 2009 Mercury Mariner | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercury |
| Model | 3 | Mariner |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 2488 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 0 HP | 171 HP |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1180 kg | 1925 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1780 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.9 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 62 L |
