1998 BMW 323 vs. 2009 Mercury Sable
To start off, 2009 Mercury Sable is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 BMW 323. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 BMW 323 would be higher. At 3,496 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Mercury Sable is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercury Sable (263 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 93 more horse power than 1998 BMW 323. (170 HP @ 7400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercury Sable should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 323. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercury Sable weights approximately 379 kg more than 1998 BMW 323. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 BMW 323 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 323. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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, 2009 Mercury Sable (338 Nm) has 92 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 323. (246 Nm). This means 2009 Mercury Sable will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 323. 2009 Mercury Sable has automatic transmission and 1998 BMW 323 has manual transmission. 1998 BMW 323 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Mercury Sable will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 323 | 2009 Mercury Sable | |
| Make | BMW | Mercury |
| Model | 323 | Sable |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 3496 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 263 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7400 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 246 Nm | 338 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1547 kg | 1926 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 5140 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1570 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2870 mm |
