1972 Mercury Cougar vs. 2009 BMW Z4
To start off, 2009 BMW Z4 is newer by 37 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, 2009 BMW Z4 (215 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 1972 Mercury Cougar. (167 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW Z4 should accelerate faster than 1972 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 294 kg more than 2009 BMW Z4.
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 113 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW Z4. (250 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 1972 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW Z4.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Mercury Cougar | 2009 BMW Z4 | |
| Make | Mercury | BMW |
| Model | Cougar | Z4 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| 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 | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 363 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.8 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1656 kg | 1362 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5080 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1310 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1790 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2500 mm |
