1988 BMW M3 vs. 1992 Mercury Tracer
To start off, 1992 Mercury Tracer is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW M3 would be higher. At 2,303 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW M3 (221 HP @ 6750 RPM) has 94 more horse power than 1992 Mercury Tracer. (127 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1992 Mercury Tracer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW M3 weights approximately 96 kg more than 1992 Mercury Tracer. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 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 1988 BMW M3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1992 Mercury Tracer, 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 M3 (245 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 91 more torque (in Nm) than 1992 Mercury Tracer. (154 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1988 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1992 Mercury Tracer.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW M3 | 1992 Mercury Tracer | |
| Make | BMW | Mercury |
| Model | M3 | Tracer |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1992 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2303 cc | 1839 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 221 HP | 127 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6750 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 154 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 1104 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2510 mm |
