2000 BMW 323 vs. 2004 Mercury Mariner
To start off, 2004 Mercury Mariner is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2000 BMW 323. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2000 BMW 323 would be higher. At 2,999 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Mercury Mariner is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 BMW 323 (341 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 144 more horse power than 2004 Mercury Mariner. (197 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 BMW 323 should accelerate faster than 2004 Mercury Mariner. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercury Mariner weights approximately 140 kg more than 2000 BMW 323.
Because 2000 BMW 323 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 2000 BMW 323. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 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, 2004 Mercury Mariner (262 Nm) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 BMW 323. (245 Nm). This means 2004 Mercury Mariner will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 BMW 323.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 BMW 323 | 2004 Mercury Mariner | |
| Make | BMW | Mercury |
| Model | 323 | Mariner |
| Year Released | 2000 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2501 cc | 2999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 341 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 262 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 1570 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2630 mm |
