2008 BMW X3 vs. 2006 Mercury Mariner
To start off, 2008 BMW X3 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 3,001 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW X3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW X3 (260 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 2006 Mercury Mariner. (200 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW X3 should accelerate faster than 2006 Mercury Mariner. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW X3 weights approximately 159 kg more than 2006 Mercury Mariner. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are four wheel drive (4WD) - it offers better handling, traction, and control in all driving conditions compared with front wheel drive or rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 X3 (305 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 43 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mercury Mariner. (262 Nm @ 4850 RPM). This means 2008 BMW X3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mercury Mariner.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW X3 | 2006 Mercury Mariner | |
| Make | BMW | Mercury |
| Model | X3 | Mariner |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2006 |
| Body Type | SUV | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3001 cc | 2999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 260 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 262 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 4850 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.7:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1730 kg | 1571 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4580 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1680 mm | 1780 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 10.2 L/100km | 10.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.4 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 62 L |
