1961 BMW 501 vs. 1980 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 1980 Mercury Cougar is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 BMW 501. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 BMW 501 would be higher. At 4,184 cc (8 cylinders), 1980 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Mercury Cougar (116 HP) has 16 more horse power than 1961 BMW 501. (100 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1961 BMW 501. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 65 kg more than 1961 BMW 501. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front 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, 1980 Mercury Cougar (264 Nm) has 82 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 BMW 501. (182 Nm). This means 1980 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 BMW 501.
Compare all specifications:
1961 BMW 501 | 1980 Mercury Cougar | |
Make | BMW | Mercury |
Model | 501 | Cougar |
Year Released | 1961 | 1980 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2580 cc | 4184 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 100 HP | 116 HP |
Torque | 182 Nm | 264 Nm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1345 kg | 1410 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4960 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1810 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1370 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2690 mm |