2003 BMW M3 vs. 2006 Mercury Mariner
To start off, 2006 Mercury Mariner is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 BMW M3 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 189 more horse power than 2006 Mercury Mariner. (153 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2006 Mercury Mariner. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercury Mariner weights approximately 540 kg more than 2003 BMW M3.
Because 2006 Mercury Mariner is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 BMW M3. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Mercury Mariner will offer significantly more control. 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 144 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mercury Mariner. (206 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2003 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mercury Mariner.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW M3 | 2006 Mercury Mariner | |
| Make | BMW | Mercury |
| Model | M3 | Mariner |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 2262 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 342 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1925 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1780 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 8.4 L/100km | 9.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 17.8 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.4 L/100km | 9.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 62 L |
