1996 BMW Z3 vs. 2011 Mercury Mariner
To start off, 2011 Mercury Mariner is newer by 15 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 30 more horse power than 2011 Mercury Mariner. (171 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW Z3 should accelerate faster than 2011 Mercury Mariner. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercury Mariner weights approximately 260 kg more than 1996 BMW Z3.
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, 2011 Mercury Mariner, 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 43 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Mercury Mariner. (232 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1996 BMW Z3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Mercury Mariner.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW Z3 | 2011 Mercury Mariner | |
| Make | BMW | Mercury |
| Model | Z3 | Mariner |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Convertible | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2926 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 201 HP | 171 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 275 Nm | 232 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1255 kg | 1515 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 4458 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1806 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1778 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2619 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 62 L |
