2008 Mercury Mariner vs. 2003 Volvo S40
To start off, 2008 Mercury Mariner is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Volvo S40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Volvo S40 would be higher. At 2,435 cc (5 cylinders), 2003 Volvo S40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Volvo S40 (217 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 2008 Mercury Mariner. (153 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Volvo S40 should accelerate faster than 2008 Mercury Mariner. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercury Mariner weights approximately 413 kg more than 2003 Volvo S40.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 Volvo S40 (330 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 124 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mercury Mariner. (206 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2003 Volvo S40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mercury Mariner. 2008 Mercury Mariner has automatic transmission and 2003 Volvo S40 has manual transmission. 2003 Volvo S40 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Mercury Mariner will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mercury Mariner | 2003 Volvo S40 | |
| Make | Mercury | Volvo |
| Model | Mariner | S40 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2003 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2298 cc | 2435 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 206 Nm | 330 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.4 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94 mm | 93.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1832 kg | 1419 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1730 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 78 L | 62 L |
