1997 BMW S3 vs. 1997 Mercury Tracer
To start off, both 1997 BMW S3 and 1997 Mercury Tracer were released in the same year (1997). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 3,201 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 BMW S3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 BMW S3 (260 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 151 more horse power than 1997 Mercury Tracer. (109 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 BMW S3 should accelerate faster than 1997 Mercury Tracer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 BMW S3 weights approximately 228 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 1997 BMW S3 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 1997 BMW S3. 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, 1997 BMW S3 (330 Nm) has 157 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Mercury Tracer. (173 Nm). This means 1997 BMW S3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Mercury Tracer.
Compare all specifications:
1997 BMW S3 | 1997 Mercury Tracer | |
Make | BMW | Mercury |
Model | S3 | Tracer |
Year Released | 1997 | 1997 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3201 cc | 1988 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 260 HP | 109 HP |
Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Torque | 330 Nm | 173 Nm |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1368 kg | 1140 kg |
Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1700 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1350 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2510 mm |