2005 BMW 318 vs. 2003 Mercury Sable
To start off, 2005 BMW 318 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Mercury Sable. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Mercury Sable would be higher. At 2,982 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Mercury Sable is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercury Sable (152 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 2005 BMW 318. (113 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercury Sable should accelerate faster than 2005 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercury Sable weights approximately 10 kg more than 2005 BMW 318. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 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 2005 BMW 318. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Mercury Sable, 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, 2005 BMW 318 (280 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mercury Sable. (246 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2005 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mercury Sable. 2003 Mercury Sable has automatic transmission and 2005 BMW 318 has manual transmission. 2005 BMW 318 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Mercury Sable will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 BMW 318 | 2003 Mercury Sable | |
| Make | BMW | Mercury |
| Model | 318 | Sable |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2982 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 152 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 246 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 89.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 79 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 6 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1555 kg | 1565 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 68 L |
