1973 Mercury Cougar vs. 2009 BMW 525
To start off, 2009 BMW 525 is newer by 36 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 7,542 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 525 (215 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1973 Mercury Cougar. (213 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 540 kg more than 2009 BMW 525.
Because 2009 BMW 525 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, 2009 BMW 525 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 (498 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 248 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 525. (250 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 1973 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 525.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Mercury Cougar | 2009 BMW 525 | |
| Make | Mercury | BMW |
| Model | Cougar | 525 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7542 cc | 2497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 213 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 498 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2105 kg | 1565 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2890 mm |
