1997 BMW M3 vs. 2009 Mercury Mariner
To start off, 2009 Mercury Mariner is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 BMW M3 would be higher. At 3,201 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 BMW M3 (240 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 69 more horse power than 2009 Mercury Mariner. (171 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2009 Mercury Mariner. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercury Mariner weights approximately 625 kg more than 1997 BMW M3.
Because 2009 Mercury Mariner is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1997 BMW M3. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Mercury Mariner 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, 1997 BMW M3 (236 Nm) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mercury Mariner. (232 Nm). This means 1997 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mercury Mariner. 2009 Mercury Mariner has automatic transmission and 1997 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 1997 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Mercury Mariner will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 BMW M3 | 2009 Mercury Mariner | |
| Make | BMW | Mercury |
| Model | M3 | Mariner |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3201 cc | 2488 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 171 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 236 Nm | 232 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 1925 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2630 mm |
