2008 BMW M3 vs. 1990 Mercury Tracer
To start off, 2008 BMW M3 is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Mercury Tracer. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Mercury Tracer would be higher. At 3,246 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW M3 (339 HP @ 4900 RPM) has 230 more horse power than 1990 Mercury Tracer. (109 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1990 Mercury Tracer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW M3 weights approximately 430 kg more than 1990 Mercury Tracer. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 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 2008 BMW M3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 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, 2008 BMW M3 (365 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 192 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Mercury Tracer. (173 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2008 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Mercury Tracer.
Compare all specifications:
2008 BMW M3 | 1990 Mercury Tracer | |
Make | BMW | Mercury |
Model | M3 | Tracer |
Year Released | 2008 | 1990 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3246 cc | 1986 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 339 HP | 109 HP |
Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Torque | 365 Nm | 173 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 3750 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1140 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4350 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1700 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1350 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2510 mm |