1998 BMW 320 vs. 2004 Mercury Mariner
To start off, 2004 Mercury Mariner is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 BMW 320. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 BMW 320 would be higher. At 2,260 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Mercury Mariner is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mercury Mariner (152 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1998 BMW 320. (150 HP @ 6250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mercury Mariner should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercury Mariner weights approximately 80 kg more than 1998 BMW 320. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2004 Mercury Mariner is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1998 BMW 320. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 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, 1998 BMW 320 (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mercury Mariner. (206 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1998 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Mercury Mariner. 2004 Mercury Mariner has automatic transmission and 1998 BMW 320 has manual transmission. 1998 BMW 320 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Mercury Mariner will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 320 | 2004 Mercury Mariner | |
| Make | BMW | Mercury |
| Model | 320 | Mariner |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2171 cc | 2260 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 152 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 94 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1465 kg | 1545 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 62 L |
