1990 BMW M3 vs. 2003 Mercury Sable
To start off, 2003 Mercury Sable is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 BMW M3 would be higher. At 2,982 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Mercury Sable is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 BMW M3 (238 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 86 more horse power than 2003 Mercury Sable. (152 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2003 Mercury Sable. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercury Sable weights approximately 365 kg more than 1990 BMW M3.
Because 1990 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 1990 BMW M3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Mercury Sable, 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, 2003 Mercury Sable (246 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW M3. (240 Nm @ 4750 RPM). This means 2003 Mercury Sable will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW M3. 2003 Mercury Sable has automatic transmission and 1990 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 1990 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Mercury Sable will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 BMW M3 | 2003 Mercury Sable | |
| Make | BMW | Mercury |
| Model | M3 | Sable |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2467 cc | 2982 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 238 HP | 152 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 246 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.1 mm | 89.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87 mm | 79 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 6 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 1565 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 68 L |
