2006 BMW M3 vs. 1999 Mercury Sable
To start off, 2006 BMW M3 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Mercury Sable. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Mercury Sable would be higher. At 3,245 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW M3 (333 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 180 more horse power than 1999 Mercury Sable. (153 HP @ 4900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1999 Mercury Sable. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW M3 weights approximately 60 kg more than 1999 Mercury Sable. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 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 2006 BMW M3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 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, 2006 BMW M3 (355 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 104 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Mercury Sable. (251 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 2006 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Mercury Sable.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW M3 | 1999 Mercury Sable | |
| Make | BMW | Mercury |
| Model | M3 | Sable |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3245 cc | 2986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 333 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Torque | 355 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 3950 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 79 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 6 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1510 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 5100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 85 L |
