2003 BMW 318 vs. 1998 Mercury Mystique
To start off, 2003 BMW 318 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Mercury Mystique. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Mercury Mystique would be higher. At 1,989 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Mercury Mystique is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercury Mystique (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 2003 BMW 318. (113 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercury Mystique should accelerate faster than 2003 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW 318 weights approximately 58 kg more than 1998 Mercury Mystique.
Because 2003 BMW 318 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 2003 BMW 318. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Mercury Mystique, 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, 1998 Mercury Mystique (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW 318. (167 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1998 Mercury Mystique will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW 318 | 1998 Mercury Mystique | |
| Make | BMW | Mercury |
| Model | 318 | Mystique |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1795 cc | 1989 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 1242 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2710 mm |
