1974 Mercury Cougar vs. 2012 BMW 650
To start off, 2012 BMW 650 is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 5,752 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 650 (400 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 239 more horse power than 1974 Mercury Cougar. (161 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 650 should accelerate faster than 1974 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 650 weights approximately 480 kg more than 1974 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, 2012 BMW 650 (609 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 227 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Mercury Cougar. (382 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 650 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Mercury Cougar | 2012 BMW 650 | |
| Make | Mercury | BMW |
| Model | Cougar | 650 |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5752 cc | 4400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 161 HP | 400 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 382 Nm | 609 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1575 kg | 2055 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5010 mm | 4894 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1894 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1369 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2855 mm |
