1996 BMW Z3 vs. 1997 Mercury Tracer
To start off, 1997 Mercury Tracer is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW Z3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW Z3 would be higher. At 2,926 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW Z3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW Z3 (201 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 92 more horse power than 1997 Mercury Tracer. (109 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW Z3 should accelerate faster than 1997 Mercury Tracer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW Z3 weights approximately 115 kg more than 1997 Mercury Tracer. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 BMW Z3 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 Z3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 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, 1996 BMW Z3 (275 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 102 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Mercury Tracer. (173 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1996 BMW Z3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Mercury Tracer. 1996 BMW Z3 has automatic transmission and 1997 Mercury Tracer has manual transmission. 1997 Mercury Tracer will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 BMW Z3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW Z3 | 1997 Mercury Tracer | |
| Make | BMW | Mercury |
| Model | Z3 | Tracer |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2926 cc | 1988 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 201 HP | 109 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 275 Nm | 173 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1255 kg | 1140 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2510 mm |
