1973 Mercury Cougar vs. 2005 BMW 325
To start off, 2005 BMW 325 is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 5,769 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 BMW 325 (184 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 1973 Mercury Cougar. (168 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 BMW 325 should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 BMW 325 weights approximately 65 kg more than 1973 Mercury Cougar. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 BMW 325 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1973 Mercury Cougar. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 BMW 325 will offer significantly more control. 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, 1973 Mercury Cougar (363 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 118 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 BMW 325. (245 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1973 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 BMW 325.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Mercury Cougar | 2005 BMW 325 | |
| Make | Mercury | BMW |
| Model | Cougar | 325 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5769 cc | 2494 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 184 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 363 Nm | 245 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 84.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.8 mm | 75 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1650 kg | 1715 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5080 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2730 mm |
