2009 Mercury Mountaineer vs. 2004 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2009 Mercury Mountaineer is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Nissan Altima. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Nissan Altima would be higher. At 4,009 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Mercury Mountaineer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercury Mountaineer (210 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 2004 Nissan Altima. (175 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercury Mountaineer should accelerate faster than 2004 Nissan Altima. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercury Mountaineer weights approximately 547 kg more than 2004 Nissan Altima. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Mercury Mountaineer 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 2009 Mercury Mountaineer. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Nissan Altima, 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, 2009 Mercury Mountaineer (344 Nm) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Nissan Altima. (244 Nm). This means 2009 Mercury Mountaineer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Nissan Altima.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mercury Mountaineer | 2004 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | Mercury | Nissan |
| Model | Mountaineer | Altima |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2004 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4009 cc | 2489 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 344 Nm | 244 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1925 kg | 1378 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1860 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 11.8 L/100km | 7.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 16.8 L/100km | 10.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 14.7 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 76 L |
