1998 BMW 325 vs. 2009 Mercury Mariner
To start off, 2009 Mercury Mariner is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 BMW 325. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 BMW 325 would be higher. At 2,967 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Mercury Mariner is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercury Mariner (240 HP @ 6550 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 1998 BMW 325. (170 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercury Mariner should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 325. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercury Mariner weights approximately 539 kg more than 1998 BMW 325. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 BMW 325 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 325. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Mercury Mariner, 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 Mariner (302 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 57 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 325. (245 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 2009 Mercury Mariner will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 325. 2009 Mercury Mariner has automatic transmission and 1998 BMW 325 has manual transmission. 1998 BMW 325 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Mercury Mariner will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 325 | 2009 Mercury Mariner | |
| Make | BMW | Mercury |
| Model | 325 | Mariner |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 2967 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 240 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6550 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 302 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1386 kg | 1925 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 62 L |
