2009 Kia Optima vs. 2010 Mercury Mariner
To start off, 2010 Mercury Mariner is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 Kia Optima. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 Kia Optima would be higher. At 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2010 Mercury Mariner is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Kia Optima (175 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 2010 Mercury Mariner. (171 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Kia Optima should accelerate faster than 2010 Mercury Mariner.
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, 2010 Mercury Mariner (232 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Kia Optima. (229 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2010 Mercury Mariner will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Kia Optima. 2010 Mercury Mariner has automatic transmission and 2009 Kia Optima has manual transmission. 2009 Kia Optima will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2010 Mercury Mariner will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Kia Optima | 2010 Mercury Mariner | |
| Make | Kia | Mercury |
| Model | Optima | Mariner |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2359 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 171 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 229 Nm | 232 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1806 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1727 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2619 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.5 L/100km | 8.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 10.8 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 62 L |
