2008 Mercury Mountaineer vs. 2003 Toyota 4Runner
To start off, 2008 Mercury Mountaineer is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Toyota 4Runner. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Toyota 4Runner would be higher. At 4,662 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Toyota 4Runner is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Toyota 4Runner (232 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 2008 Mercury Mountaineer. (210 HP @ 5100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Toyota 4Runner should accelerate faster than 2008 Mercury Mountaineer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercury Mountaineer weights approximately 51 kg more than 2003 Toyota 4Runner.
Both vehicles are four wheel drive (4WD) - it offers better handling, traction, and control in all driving conditions compared with front wheel drive or 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 Toyota 4Runner (434 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mercury Mountaineer. (344 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2003 Toyota 4Runner will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mercury Mountaineer.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mercury Mountaineer | 2003 Toyota 4Runner | |
| Make | Mercury | Toyota |
| Model | Mountaineer | 4Runner |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2003 |
| Body Type | SUV | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4015 cc | 4662 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 232 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 344 Nm | 434 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2011 kg | 1960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1860 mm | 1830 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2800 mm |
