1976 Mercury Cougar vs. 2013 BMW 3 Series
To start off, 2013 BMW 3 Series is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 5,766 cc (8 cylinders), 1976 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 BMW 3 Series (238 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 86 more horse power than 1976 Mercury Cougar. (152 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 BMW 3 Series should accelerate faster than 1976 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 347 kg more than 2013 BMW 3 Series.
Because 2013 BMW 3 Series is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1976 Mercury Cougar. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2013 BMW 3 Series 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 3 Series (407 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Mercury Cougar. (377 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2013 BMW 3 Series will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Mercury Cougar | 2013 BMW 3 Series | |
| Make | Mercury | BMW |
| Model | Cougar | 3 Series |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5766 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 152 HP | 238 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 377 Nm | 407 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2030 kg | 1683 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 4636 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 2031 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1434 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2810 mm |
