1985 BMW 324 vs. 2008 Mercury Mariner
To start off, 2008 Mercury Mariner is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 BMW 324. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 BMW 324 would be higher. At 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 1985 BMW 324 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercury Mariner (133 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 1985 BMW 324. (85 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercury Mariner should accelerate faster than 1985 BMW 324. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercury Mariner weights approximately 665 kg more than 1985 BMW 324. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1985 BMW 324 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 1985 BMW 324. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 2008 Mercury Mariner (168 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 BMW 324. (152 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2008 Mercury Mariner will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 BMW 324. 2008 Mercury Mariner has automatic transmission and 1985 BMW 324 has manual transmission. 1985 BMW 324 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Mercury Mariner will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 BMW 324 | 2008 Mercury Mariner | |
| Make | BMW | Mercury |
| Model | 324 | Mariner |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 2299 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 152 Nm | 168 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 87.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 22.0:1 | 12.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1260 kg | 1925 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.6 L/100km | 7.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 57 L |
