1978 Mercury Cougar vs. 2012 BMW X3
To start off, 2012 BMW X3 is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 4,941 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW X3 (256 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 123 more horse power than 1978 Mercury Cougar. (133 HP @ 3400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW X3 should accelerate faster than 1978 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW X3 weights approximately 20 kg more than 1978 Mercury Cougar. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 BMW X3 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Mercury Cougar. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 BMW X3 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 X3 (560 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 224 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mercury Cougar. (336 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2012 BMW X3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
1978 Mercury Cougar | 2012 BMW X3 | |
Make | Mercury | BMW |
Model | Cougar | X3 |
Year Released | 1978 | 2012 |
Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4941 cc | 2993 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 133 HP | 256 HP |
Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 336 Nm | 560 Nm |
Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 2000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1855 kg | 1875 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 4648 mm |
Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1881 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1675 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2810 mm |