2003 BMW 520 vs. 2011 Mercury Mariner
To start off, 2011 Mercury Mariner is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 BMW 520 would be higher. At 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Mercury Mariner is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercury Mariner (171 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 2003 BMW 520. (167 HP @ 6100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercury Mariner should accelerate faster than 2003 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW 520 weights approximately 185 kg more than 2011 Mercury Mariner.
Because 2003 BMW 520 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 520. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 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, 2011 Mercury Mariner (232 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW 520. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2011 Mercury Mariner will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW 520 | 2011 Mercury Mariner | |
| Make | BMW | Mercury |
| Model | 520 | Mariner |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2171 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 171 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 232 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1515 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1806 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1727 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2619 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.7 L/100km | 8.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 62 L |
