2002 Mercury Sable vs. 2004 BMW 316
To start off, 2004 BMW 316 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Mercury Sable. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Mercury Sable would be higher. At 2,986 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Mercury Sable is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mercury Sable (153 HP @ 4900 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 2004 BMW 316. (113 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercury Sable should accelerate faster than 2004 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercury Sable weights approximately 45 kg more than 2004 BMW 316. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2004 BMW 316 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 2004 BMW 316. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Mercury Sable, 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, 2002 Mercury Sable (251 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 76 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 BMW 316. (175 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2002 Mercury Sable will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Mercury Sable | 2004 BMW 316 | |
| Make | Mercury | BMW |
| Model | Sable | 316 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 6 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1510 kg | 1465 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 63 L |
