1998 BMW 318 vs. 1999 Mercury Sable
To start off, 1999 Mercury Sable is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 BMW 318. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 BMW 318 would be higher. At 2,982 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 Mercury Sable is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Mercury Sable (152 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 1998 BMW 318. (116 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Mercury Sable should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Mercury Sable weights approximately 205 kg more than 1998 BMW 318. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 BMW 318 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 1998 BMW 318. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Mercury Sable, 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, 1999 Mercury Sable (246 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 66 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 318. (180 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 1999 Mercury Sable will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 318. 1999 Mercury Sable has automatic transmission and 1998 BMW 318 has manual transmission. 1998 BMW 318 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1999 Mercury Sable will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 318 | 1999 Mercury Sable | |
| Make | BMW | Mercury |
| Model | 318 | Sable |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1895 cc | 2982 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 152 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 246 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1360 kg | 1565 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 68 L |
