1984 BMW 316 vs. 2011 Mercury Mariner
To start off, 2011 Mercury Mariner is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 BMW 316. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 BMW 316 would be higher. At 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Mercury Mariner is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercury Mariner (177 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 91 more horse power than 1984 BMW 316. (86 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercury Mariner should accelerate faster than 1984 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercury Mariner weights approximately 590 kg more than 1984 BMW 316. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1984 BMW 316 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 1984 BMW 316. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Mercury Mariner, 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, 2011 Mercury Mariner (184 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 BMW 316. (123 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2011 Mercury Mariner will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 BMW 316 | 2011 Mercury Mariner | |
| Make | BMW | Mercury |
| Model | 316 | Mariner |
| Year Released | 1984 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1573 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 86 HP | 177 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 123 Nm | 184 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | CVT |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1074 kg | 1664 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1806 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1727 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2619 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 57 L |
