2008 Mercury Mountaineer vs. 2003 Pontiac Vibe
To start off, 2008 Mercury Mountaineer is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Pontiac Vibe. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Pontiac Vibe would be higher. At 4,605 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Mercury Mountaineer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercury Mountaineer (292 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 169 more horse power than 2003 Pontiac Vibe. (123 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercury Mountaineer should accelerate faster than 2003 Pontiac Vibe. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercury Mountaineer weights approximately 611 kg more than 2003 Pontiac Vibe. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 Pontiac Vibe is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2008 Mercury Mountaineer. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Pontiac Vibe 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, 2008 Mercury Mountaineer (407 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 247 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Pontiac Vibe. (160 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2008 Mercury Mountaineer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Pontiac Vibe. 2008 Mercury Mountaineer has automatic transmission and 2003 Pontiac Vibe has manual transmission. 2003 Pontiac Vibe will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Mercury Mountaineer will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mercury Mountaineer | 2003 Pontiac Vibe | |
| Make | Mercury | Pontiac |
| Model | Mountaineer | Vibe |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2003 |
| Body Type | SUV | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4605 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 292 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 407 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1836 kg | 1225 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1860 mm | 1610 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2610 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 45 L |
