1972 Mercury Cougar vs. 2008 BMW 523
To start off, 2008 BMW 523 is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 5,769 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 523 (175 HP) has 8 more horse power than 1972 Mercury Cougar. (167 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 523 should accelerate faster than 1972 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 376 kg more than 2008 BMW 523.
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, 1972 Mercury Cougar (363 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 133 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 523. (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1972 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 523.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Mercury Cougar | 2008 BMW 523 | |
| Make | Mercury | BMW |
| Model | Cougar | 523 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5769 cc | 2497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 175 HP |
| Torque | 363 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1656 kg | 1280 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5080 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2840 mm |
