2009 Mercury Mountaineer vs. 2003 Subaru Legacy
To start off, 2009 Mercury Mountaineer is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Subaru Legacy. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Subaru Legacy would be higher. At 4,606 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Mercury Mountaineer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercury Mountaineer (292 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 2003 Subaru Legacy. (256 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercury Mountaineer should accelerate faster than 2003 Subaru Legacy. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercury Mountaineer weights approximately 372 kg more than 2003 Subaru Legacy. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 Subaru Legacy is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2009 Mercury Mountaineer. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Subaru Legacy 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, 2009 Mercury Mountaineer (427 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 84 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Subaru Legacy. (343 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2009 Mercury Mountaineer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Subaru Legacy.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mercury Mountaineer | 2003 Subaru Legacy | |
| Make | Mercury | Subaru |
| Model | Mountaineer | Legacy |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2003 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4606 cc | 1994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 292 HP | 256 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 427 Nm | 343 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1832 kg | 1460 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1860 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 64 L |
