1986 Mercury Lynx vs. 2012 BMW M3
To start off, 2012 BMW M3 is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Mercury Lynx. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Mercury Lynx would be higher. At 3,999 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 325 more horse power than 1986 Mercury Lynx. (89 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1986 Mercury Lynx. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW M3 weights approximately 860 kg more than 1986 Mercury Lynx. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 BMW M3 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 2012 BMW M3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1986 Mercury Lynx, 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, 2012 BMW M3 (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 256 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Mercury Lynx. (144 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2012 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Mercury Lynx.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Mercury Lynx | 2012 BMW M3 | |
| Make | Mercury | BMW |
| Model | Lynx | M3 |
| Year Released | 1986 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1859 cc | 3999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 414 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 8300 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1025 kg | 1885 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4300 mm | 4615 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1803 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1392 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2761 mm |
