2002 BMW 320 vs. 2008 Mercury Mountaineer

To start off, 2008 Mercury Mountaineer is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 BMW 320. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 BMW 320 would be higher. At 4,605 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Mercury Mountaineer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercury Mountaineer (292 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 144 more horse power than 2002 BMW 320. (148 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercury Mountaineer should accelerate faster than 2002 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercury Mountaineer weights approximately 441 kg more than 2002 BMW 320. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.

Because 2002 BMW 320 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 2002 BMW 320. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Mercury Mountaineer, 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 Mercury Mountaineer (407 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 77 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 BMW 320. (330 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2008 Mercury Mountaineer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 BMW 320. 2008 Mercury Mountaineer has automatic transmission and 2002 BMW 320 has manual transmission. 2002 BMW 320 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Mercury Mountaineer will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.

Compare all specifications:

2002 BMW 320 2008 Mercury Mountaineer
Make BMW Mercury
Model 320 Mountaineer
Year Released 2002 2008
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 1995 cc 4605 cc
Engine Cylinders 4 cylinders 8 cylinders
Engine Type in-line V
Valves per Cylinder 4 valves 3 valves
Horse Power 148 HP 292 HP
Engine RPM 4000 RPM 5750 RPM
Torque 330 Nm 407 Nm
Torque RPM 2000 RPM 3950 RPM
Engine Compression Ratio 17.0:1 9.7:1
Fuel Type Diesel Diesel
Drive Type Rear Front
Transmission Type Manual Automatic
Number of Seats 5 seats 5 seats
Number of Doors 5 doors 5 doors
Vehicle Weight 1395 kg 1836 kg
Vehicle Length 4270 mm 4920 mm
Vehicle Width 1760 mm 1880 mm
Vehicle Height 1420 mm 1860 mm
Wheelbase Size 2730 mm 2890 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 63 L 85 L