1988 BMW M3 vs. 2006 Mercury Montego
To start off, 2006 Mercury Montego is newer by 18 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 2,983 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Mercury Montego is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW M3 (221 HP @ 6750 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 2006 Mercury Montego. (203 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2006 Mercury Montego. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercury Montego weights approximately 725 kg more than 1988 BMW M3.
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, 2006 Mercury Montego, 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, 2006 Mercury Montego (281 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW M3. (245 Nm @ 4750 RPM). This means 2006 Mercury Montego will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW M3 | 2006 Mercury Montego | |
| Make | BMW | Mercury |
| Model | M3 | Montego |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2303 cc | 2983 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 221 HP | 203 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6750 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 281 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.4 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 1925 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 5100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1570 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2870 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 72 L |
