2001 BMW M3 vs. 2006 Mercury Mariner
To start off, 2006 Mercury Mariner is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 BMW M3 would be higher. At 3,246 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercury Mariner weights approximately 270 kg more than 2001 BMW M3.
Because 2006 Mercury Mariner is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2001 BMW M3. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Mercury Mariner will offer significantly more control. 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, 2001 BMW M3 (355 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 187 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mercury Mariner. (168 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2001 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mercury Mariner. 2006 Mercury Mariner has automatic transmission and 2001 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 2001 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Mercury Mariner will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 BMW M3 | 2006 Mercury Mariner | |
| Make | BMW | Mercury |
| Model | M3 | Mariner |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Convertible | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 2299 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 326 HP | 0 HP |
| Torque | 355 Nm | 168 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 12.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1655 kg | 1925 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1790 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 8.8 L/100km | 8.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 17.9 L/100km | 7.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.1 L/100km | 7.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 57 L |
