2008 Mercury Mariner vs. 2002 Toyota Highlander
To start off, 2008 Mercury Mariner is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Toyota Highlander. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Toyota Highlander would be higher. At 2,360 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Toyota Highlander is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercury Mariner (153 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 2002 Toyota Highlander. (149 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercury Mariner should accelerate faster than 2002 Toyota Highlander. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercury Mariner weights approximately 147 kg more than 2002 Toyota Highlander. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2002 Toyota Highlander is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2008 Mercury Mariner. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Toyota Highlander 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, 2002 Toyota Highlander (221 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mercury Mariner. (206 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2002 Toyota Highlander will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mercury Mariner.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mercury Mariner | 2002 Toyota Highlander | |
| Make | Mercury | Toyota |
| Model | Mariner | Highlander |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2002 |
| Body Type | SUV | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2298 cc | 2360 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 206 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.4 mm | 88.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 9.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1832 kg | 1685 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1730 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 78 L | 73 L |
