2009 Mercury Sable vs. 2008 BMW 318
To start off, 2009 Mercury Sable is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 BMW 318. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 BMW 318 would be higher. At 3,496 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Mercury Sable is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercury Sable (263 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 115 more horse power than 2008 BMW 318. (148 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercury Sable should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercury Sable weights approximately 252 kg more than 2008 BMW 318. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 BMW 318 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 318. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Mercury Sable, 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, 2009 Mercury Sable (338 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 138 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 318. (200 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2009 Mercury Sable will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mercury Sable | 2008 BMW 318 | |
| Make | Mercury | BMW |
| Model | Sable | 318 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3496 cc | 1993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 263 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 338 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1832 kg | 1580 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5140 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.2 L/100km | 7.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 78 L | 63 L |
