1974 Mercury Cougar vs. 2013 BMW X5
To start off, 2013 BMW X5 is newer by 39 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, 2013 BMW X5 (296 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 135 more horse power than 1974 Mercury Cougar. (161 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 BMW X5 should accelerate faster than 1974 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 BMW X5 weights approximately 675 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.
Because 2013 BMW X5 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1974 Mercury Cougar. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2013 BMW X5 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, 2013 BMW X5 (407 Nm @ 5800 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Mercury Cougar. (382 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2013 BMW X5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Mercury Cougar. 2013 BMW X5 has automatic transmission and 1974 Mercury Cougar has manual transmission. 1974 Mercury Cougar will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2013 BMW X5 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Mercury Cougar | 2013 BMW X5 | |
| Make | Mercury | BMW |
| Model | Cougar | X5 |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5752 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 161 HP | 296 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 382 Nm | 407 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 10.2 :1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1575 kg | 2250 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5010 mm | 4857 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 2197 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1776 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2933 mm |
