1974 BMW 3 vs. 1981 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 1981 Mercury Cougar is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 BMW 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 BMW 3 would be higher. At 3,797 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 BMW 3 (200 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 86 more horse power than 1981 Mercury Cougar. (114 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 1981 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 BMW 3 weights approximately 77 kg more than 1981 Mercury Cougar. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1974 BMW 3 (270 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 33 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Mercury Cougar. (237 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1974 BMW 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
1974 BMW 3 | 1981 Mercury Cougar | |
Make | BMW | Mercury |
Model | 3 | Cougar |
Year Released | 1974 | 1981 |
Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2986 cc | 3797 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 200 HP | 114 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 270 Nm | 237 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 2600 RPM |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1433 kg | 1356 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 4960 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1810 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1370 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2690 mm |