1988 BMW 524 vs. 2008 Mercury Mariner
To start off, 2008 Mercury Mariner is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW 524. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW 524 would be higher. At 2,493 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 BMW 524 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercury Mariner (153 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1988 BMW 524. (113 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercury Mariner should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 524. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercury Mariner weights approximately 477 kg more than 1988 BMW 524. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 BMW 524 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 1988 BMW 524. 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, 1988 BMW 524 (210 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mercury Mariner. (206 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1988 BMW 524 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mercury Mariner. 2008 Mercury Mariner has automatic transmission and 1988 BMW 524 has manual transmission. 1988 BMW 524 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:
| 1988 BMW 524 | 2008 Mercury Mariner | |
| Make | BMW | Mercury |
| Model | 524 | Mariner |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2493 cc | 2298 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 87.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 22.0:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1355 kg | 1832 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2630 mm |
