1998 Mercury Mystique vs. 2008 BMW 523
To start off, 2008 BMW 523 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Mercury Mystique. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Mercury Mystique would be higher. At 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW 523 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 523 (175 HP) has 46 more horse power than 1998 Mercury Mystique. (129 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 523 should accelerate faster than 1998 Mercury Mystique. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 523 weights approximately 38 kg more than 1998 Mercury Mystique. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 BMW 523 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 2008 BMW 523. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Mercury Mystique, 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, 2008 BMW 523 (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mercury Mystique. (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 523 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mercury Mystique. 2008 BMW 523 has automatic transmission and 1998 Mercury Mystique has manual transmission. 1998 Mercury Mystique will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 BMW 523 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mercury Mystique | 2008 BMW 523 | |
| Make | Mercury | BMW |
| Model | Mystique | 523 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 2497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 175 HP |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1242 kg | 1280 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2840 mm |
