1973 Mercury Cougar vs. 2011 BMW 535
To start off, 2011 BMW 535 is newer by 38 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 6,589 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 535 (300 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 132 more horse power than 1973 Mercury Cougar. (168 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 535 should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 135 kg more than 2011 BMW 535.
Because 2011 BMW 535 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1973 Mercury Cougar. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 BMW 535 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, 2011 BMW 535 (406 Nm @ 1200 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Mercury Cougar. (375 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 535 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Mercury Cougar | 2011 BMW 535 | |
| Make | Mercury | BMW |
| Model | Cougar | 535 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6589 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 300 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 375 Nm | 406 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2055 kg | 1920 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 4905 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1859 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1463 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2969 mm |
