2003 BMW M3 vs. 1997 Mercury Tracer
To start off, 2003 BMW M3 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Mercury Tracer. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Mercury Tracer would be higher. At 3,168 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW M3 (342 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 233 more horse power than 1997 Mercury Tracer. (109 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1997 Mercury Tracer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW M3 weights approximately 245 kg more than 1997 Mercury Tracer. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 BMW M3 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 M3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Mercury Tracer, 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, 2003 BMW M3 (350 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 177 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Mercury Tracer. (173 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2003 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Mercury Tracer.
Compare all specifications:
2003 BMW M3 | 1997 Mercury Tracer | |
Make | BMW | Mercury |
Model | M3 | Tracer |
Year Released | 2003 | 1997 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3168 cc | 1988 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 342 HP | 109 HP |
Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Torque | 350 Nm | 173 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 3750 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1140 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4350 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1700 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1350 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2510 mm |