2008 BMW X3 vs. 2001 Mercury Villager
To start off, 2008 BMW X3 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Mercury Villager. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Mercury Villager would be higher. At 3,276 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 Mercury Villager is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW X3 (189 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 2001 Mercury Villager. (168 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW X3 should accelerate faster than 2001 Mercury Villager. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Mercury Villager weights approximately 45 kg more than 2008 BMW X3.
Because 2008 BMW X3 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 X3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Mercury Villager, 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, 2001 Mercury Villager (271 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW X3. (245 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2001 Mercury Villager will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW X3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW X3 | 2001 Mercury Villager | |
| Make | BMW | Mercury |
| Model | X3 | Villager |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2001 |
| Body Type | SUV | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 3276 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1740 kg | 1785 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5050 mm | 4950 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1790 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2860 mm |
