2008 Mercury Mountaineer vs. 2011 Lexus IS
To start off, 2011 Lexus IS is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Mercury Mountaineer. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Mercury Mountaineer would be higher. At 4,605 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Mercury Mountaineer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Lexus IS (306 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 2008 Mercury Mountaineer. (292 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Lexus IS should accelerate faster than 2008 Mercury Mountaineer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercury Mountaineer weights approximately 236 kg more than 2011 Lexus IS.
Because 2011 Lexus IS is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2011 Lexus IS. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Mercury Mountaineer, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 32 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Lexus IS. (375 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2008 Mercury Mountaineer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Lexus IS.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mercury Mountaineer | 2011 Lexus IS | |
| Make | Mercury | Lexus |
| Model | Mountaineer | IS |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2011 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4605 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 292 HP | 306 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 407 Nm | 375 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1836 kg | 1600 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1801 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1860 mm | 1425 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2728 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 11.2 L/100km | 8.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 15.7 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 65 L |
