1962 BMW 3200 CS vs. 1978 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 1978 Mercury Cougar is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 BMW 3200 CS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 BMW 3200 CS would be higher. At 4,941 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1962 BMW 3200 CS (160 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1978 Mercury Cougar. (133 HP @ 3400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1962 BMW 3200 CS should accelerate faster than 1978 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 355 kg more than 1962 BMW 3200 CS.
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, 1978 Mercury Cougar (336 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 96 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 BMW 3200 CS. (240 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1978 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 BMW 3200 CS.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 BMW 3200 CS | 1978 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | BMW | Mercury |
| Model | 3200 CS | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1962 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3169 cc | 4941 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 336 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 1855 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4390 mm | 5480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 2010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2910 mm |
