2008 BMW M3 vs. 2006 Mercury Mariner
To start off, 2008 BMW M3 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Mercury Mariner. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Mercury Mariner 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 138 more horse power than 2006 Mercury Mariner. (201 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2006 Mercury Mariner. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercury Mariner weights approximately 1 kg more than 2008 BMW M3.
Because 2006 Mercury Mariner is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2008 BMW M3. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Mercury Mariner will offer significantly more control. 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 103 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mercury Mariner. (262 Nm @ 4850 RPM). This means 2008 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mercury Mariner.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW M3 | 2006 Mercury Mariner | |
| Make | BMW | Mercury |
| Model | M3 | Mariner |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 2999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 339 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 262 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 4850 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1571 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1780 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.9 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 62 L |
