1996 BMW Z3 vs. 2009 Mercury Mountaineer
To start off, 2009 Mercury Mountaineer is newer by 13 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 4,606 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Mercury Mountaineer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercury Mountaineer (292 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 91 more horse power than 1996 BMW Z3. (201 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercury Mountaineer should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW Z3.
Because 2009 Mercury Mountaineer is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 BMW Z3. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Mercury Mountaineer will offer significantly more control. 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, 2009 Mercury Mountaineer (427 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 152 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW Z3. (275 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 2009 Mercury Mountaineer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW Z3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW Z3 | 2009 Mercury Mountaineer | |
| Make | BMW | Mercury |
| Model | Z3 | Mountaineer |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Convertible | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2926 cc | 4606 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 201 HP | 292 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 275 Nm | 427 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1860 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 85 L |
