1996 BMW 525 vs. 1997 Mercury Mystique
To start off, 1997 Mercury Mystique is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 525. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 525 would be higher. At 2,544 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Mercury Mystique is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Mercury Mystique (168 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1996 BMW 525. (141 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Mercury Mystique should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 525 weights approximately 250 kg more than 1997 Mercury Mystique.
Because 1996 BMW 525 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 1996 BMW 525. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Mercury Mystique, 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, 1996 BMW 525 (279 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 59 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Mercury Mystique. (220 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Mercury Mystique. 1997 Mercury Mystique has automatic transmission and 1996 BMW 525 has manual transmission. 1996 BMW 525 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Mercury Mystique will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 525 | 1997 Mercury Mystique | |
| Make | BMW | Mercury |
| Model | 525 | Mystique |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2496 cc | 2544 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 279 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1563 kg | 1313 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2710 mm |
