2008 BMW M3 vs. 2003 Mercury Sable
To start off, 2008 BMW M3 is newer by 5 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 3,246 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW M3 (338 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 186 more horse power than 2003 Mercury Sable. (152 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2003 Mercury Sable. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW M3 weights approximately 90 kg more than 2003 Mercury Sable. 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, 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, 2008 BMW M3 (365 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 119 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mercury Sable. (246 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mercury Sable. 2003 Mercury Sable has automatic transmission and 2008 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 2008 BMW M3 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:
| 2008 BMW M3 | 2003 Mercury Sable | |
| Make | BMW | Mercury |
| Model | M3 | Sable |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 2982 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 338 HP | 152 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 246 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.1 mm | 89.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 79 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 6 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1655 kg | 1565 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 68 L |
