1977 Mercury Cougar vs. 2012 BMW 550
To start off, 2012 BMW 550 is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1977 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 550 (400 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 267 more horse power than 1977 Mercury Cougar. (133 HP @ 3400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 1977 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 550 weights approximately 195 kg more than 1977 Mercury Cougar. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 BMW 550 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1977 Mercury Cougar. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 BMW 550 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, 2012 BMW 550 (609 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 273 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Mercury Cougar. (336 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 Mercury Cougar | 2012 BMW 550 | |
| Make | Mercury | BMW |
| Model | Cougar | 550 |
| Year Released | 1977 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 4400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 133 HP | 400 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 336 Nm | 609 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1855 kg | 2050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 4899 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2968 mm |
