2008 BMW Z4 vs. 2009 Mercury Mariner
To start off, 2009 Mercury Mariner is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 BMW Z4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 BMW Z4 would be higher. At 3,248 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW Z4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW Z4 (338 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 98 more horse power than 2009 Mercury Mariner. (240 HP @ 6550 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW Z4 should accelerate faster than 2009 Mercury Mariner. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercury Mariner weights approximately 440 kg more than 2008 BMW Z4.
Because 2008 BMW Z4 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 Z4. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Mercury Mariner, 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 Z4 (365 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 63 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mercury Mariner. (302 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2008 BMW Z4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mercury Mariner. 2009 Mercury Mariner has automatic transmission and 2008 BMW Z4 has manual transmission. 2008 BMW Z4 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Mercury Mariner will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW Z4 | 2009 Mercury Mariner | |
| Make | BMW | Mercury |
| Model | Z4 | Mariner |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Convertible | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3248 cc | 2967 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 338 HP | 240 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 6550 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 302 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1485 kg | 1925 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4120 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.1 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 62 L |
