2009 BMW 323 vs. 2004 Mercury Mariner
To start off, 2009 BMW 323 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Mercury Mariner. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Mercury Mariner would be higher. At 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 BMW 323 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 323 (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 2004 Mercury Mariner. (152 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 323 should accelerate faster than 2004 Mercury Mariner.
Because 2004 Mercury Mariner is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2009 BMW 323. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 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, 2009 BMW 323 (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mercury Mariner. (206 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 323 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Mercury Mariner. 2004 Mercury Mariner has automatic transmission and 2009 BMW 323 has manual transmission. 2009 BMW 323 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Mercury Mariner will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 323 | 2004 Mercury Mariner | |
| Make | BMW | Mercury |
| Model | 323 | Mariner |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 2260 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 152 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78.8 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 94 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1820 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 62 L |
