1998 BMW 323 vs. 2010 Mercury Mountaineer
To start off, 2010 Mercury Mountaineer is newer by 12 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 4,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2010 Mercury Mountaineer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Mercury Mountaineer (210 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1998 BMW 323. (170 HP @ 7400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Mercury Mountaineer should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 323. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Mercury Mountaineer weights approximately 545 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.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2010 Mercury Mountaineer (344 Nm) has 98 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 323. (246 Nm). This means 2010 Mercury Mountaineer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 323. 2010 Mercury Mountaineer 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. 2010 Mercury Mountaineer will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 323 | 2010 Mercury Mountaineer | |
| Make | BMW | Mercury |
| Model | 323 | Mountaineer |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2010 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 4000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 210 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7400 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 246 Nm | 344 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 7 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1547 kg | 2092 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4915 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1872 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1826 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2888 mm |
