2000 BMW Z3 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 Z3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2000 BMW Z3 would be higher. At 2,999 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Mercury Mariner is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 BMW Z3 (229 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 2004 Mercury Mariner. (197 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 BMW Z3 should accelerate faster than 2004 Mercury Mariner. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercury Mariner weights approximately 125 kg more than 2000 BMW Z3.
Because 2000 BMW Z3 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 Z3. 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, 2000 BMW Z3 (300 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 38 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mercury Mariner. (262 Nm @ 4850 RPM). This means 2000 BMW Z3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Mercury Mariner.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 BMW Z3 | 2004 Mercury Mariner | |
| Make | BMW | Mercury |
| Model | Z3 | Mariner |
| Year Released | 2000 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2979 cc | 2999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 229 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 262 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4850 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.6 mm | 80 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1445 kg | 1570 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 72 L |
