2005 BMW 320 vs. 1997 Mercury Tracer
To start off, 2005 BMW 320 is newer by 8 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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 BMW 320 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 BMW 320 (141 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1997 Mercury Tracer. (109 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 BMW 320 should accelerate faster than 1997 Mercury Tracer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 BMW 320 weights approximately 354 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 2005 BMW 320 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 320. 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, 2005 BMW 320 (330 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 157 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Mercury Tracer. (173 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2005 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Mercury Tracer.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 BMW 320 | 1997 Mercury Tracer | |
| Make | BMW | Mercury |
| Model | 320 | Tracer |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1988 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 109 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 173 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1494 kg | 1140 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2510 mm |
