1971 BMW 3 vs. 2009 Mercury Mountaineer
To start off, 2009 Mercury Mountaineer is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 BMW 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 BMW 3 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 92 more horse power than 1971 BMW 3. (200 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercury Mountaineer should accelerate faster than 1971 BMW 3.
Because 2009 Mercury Mountaineer is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1971 BMW 3. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Mercury Mountaineer 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 156 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 BMW 3. (271 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2009 Mercury Mountaineer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 BMW 3. 2009 Mercury Mountaineer has automatic transmission and 1971 BMW 3 has manual transmission. 1971 BMW 3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Mercury Mountaineer will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 BMW 3 | 2009 Mercury Mountaineer | |
| Make | BMW | Mercury |
| Model | 3 | Mountaineer |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 4606 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 292 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 427 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1860 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 85 L |
