1998 BMW 330 vs. 2003 Mercury Sable
To start off, 2003 Mercury Sable is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 BMW 330. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 BMW 330 would be higher. At 2,995 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 BMW 330 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 BMW 330 (181 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 2003 Mercury Sable. (153 HP @ 4900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 BMW 330 should accelerate faster than 2003 Mercury Sable. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 330 weights approximately 178 kg more than 2003 Mercury Sable. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 BMW 330 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 330. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 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, 1998 BMW 330 (390 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 139 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mercury Sable. (251 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 1998 BMW 330 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mercury Sable. 2003 Mercury Sable has automatic transmission and 1998 BMW 330 has manual transmission. 1998 BMW 330 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Mercury Sable will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 330 | 2003 Mercury Sable | |
| Make | BMW | Mercury |
| Model | 330 | Sable |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2995 cc | 2986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 181 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Torque | 390 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 3950 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 79 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 6 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 1512 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 5100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 85 L |
