2008 Mercury Mariner vs. 2003 BMW 330
To start off, 2008 Mercury Mariner is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 BMW 330. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 BMW 330 would be higher. At 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 BMW 330 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW 330 (184 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 2008 Mercury Mariner. (133 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW 330 should accelerate faster than 2008 Mercury Mariner. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercury Mariner weights approximately 120 kg more than 2003 BMW 330.
Because 2003 BMW 330 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2008 Mercury Mariner. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 BMW 330 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, 2003 BMW 330 (410 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 242 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mercury Mariner. (168 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2003 BMW 330 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mercury Mariner.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mercury Mariner | 2003 BMW 330 | |
| Make | Mercury | BMW |
| Model | Mariner | 330 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2003 |
| Body Type | SUV | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2299 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 133 HP | 184 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 410 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.4 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.3:1 | 17.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1925 kg | 1805 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1730 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 57 L | 63 L |
