1972 BMW 3 vs. 2009 Mercury Mariner
To start off, 2009 Mercury Mariner is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 BMW 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 BMW 3 would be higher. At 3,003 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 BMW 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercury Mariner (240 HP @ 6550 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 1972 BMW 3. (197 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercury Mariner should accelerate faster than 1972 BMW 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercury Mariner weights approximately 655 kg more than 1972 BMW 3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Mercury Mariner is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1972 BMW 3. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Mercury Mariner 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 Mariner (302 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 BMW 3. (272 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2009 Mercury Mariner will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 BMW 3. 2009 Mercury Mariner has automatic transmission and 1972 BMW 3 has manual transmission. 1972 BMW 3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Mercury Mariner will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 BMW 3 | 2009 Mercury Mariner | |
| Make | BMW | Mercury |
| Model | 3 | Mariner |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3003 cc | 2967 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 240 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6550 RPM |
| Torque | 272 Nm | 302 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1270 kg | 1925 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1780 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 62 L |
