2003 BMW M3 vs. 2006 Mercury Mountaineer
To start off, 2006 Mercury Mountaineer 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 3,996 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Mercury Mountaineer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW M3 (240 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 2006 Mercury Mountaineer. (210 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2006 Mercury Mountaineer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercury Mountaineer weights approximately 483 kg more than 2003 BMW M3.
Because 2006 Mercury Mountaineer 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 Mountaineer 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, 2006 Mercury Mountaineer (344 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 44 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW M3. (300 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2006 Mercury Mountaineer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 BMW M3. 2006 Mercury Mountaineer has automatic transmission and 2003 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 2003 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Mercury Mountaineer will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW M3 | 2006 Mercury Mountaineer | |
| Make | BMW | Mercury |
| Model | M3 | Mountaineer |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2993 cc | 3996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 210 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 344 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 100.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.8 mm | 84.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1442 kg | 1925 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1860 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 85 L |
