1999 BMW 318 vs. 1997 Mercury Mystique
To start off, 1999 BMW 318 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Mercury Mystique. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Mercury Mystique would be higher. At 2,544 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Mercury Mystique is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Mercury Mystique (168 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1999 BMW 318. (140 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Mercury Mystique should accelerate faster than 1999 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 BMW 318 weights approximately 85 kg more than 1997 Mercury Mystique.
Because 1999 BMW 318 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 1999 BMW 318. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 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, 1997 Mercury Mystique (220 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 BMW 318. (200 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1997 Mercury Mystique will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 BMW 318 | 1997 Mercury Mystique | |
| Make | BMW | Mercury |
| Model | 318 | Mystique |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2544 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1398 kg | 1313 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2710 mm |
