1995 BMW S3 vs. 2008 Mercury Mountaineer
To start off, 2008 Mercury Mountaineer is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1995 BMW S3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1995 BMW S3 would be higher. At 4,605 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Mercury Mountaineer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 BMW S3 (338 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 2008 Mercury Mountaineer. (292 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1995 BMW S3 should accelerate faster than 2008 Mercury Mountaineer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercury Mountaineer weights approximately 111 kg more than 1995 BMW S3.
Because 1995 BMW S3 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 1995 BMW S3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Mercury Mountaineer, 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, 2008 Mercury Mountaineer (407 Nm) has 147 more torque (in Nm) than 1995 BMW S3. (260 Nm). This means 2008 Mercury Mountaineer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1995 BMW S3. 2008 Mercury Mountaineer has automatic transmission and 1995 BMW S3 has manual transmission. 1995 BMW S3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Mercury Mountaineer will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 BMW S3 | 2008 Mercury Mountaineer | |
| Make | BMW | Mercury |
| Model | S3 | Mountaineer |
| Year Released | 1995 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 4605 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 338 HP | 292 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 407 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1725 kg | 1836 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1860 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2890 mm |
