1979 BMW 320 vs. 1980 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 1980 Mercury Cougar is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 BMW 320. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 BMW 320 would be higher. At 4,184 cc (8 cylinders), 1980 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 BMW 320 (641 HP @ 9000 RPM) has 525 more horse power than 1980 Mercury Cougar. (116 HP @ 3400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 BMW 320 should accelerate faster than 1980 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 570 kg more than 1979 BMW 320.
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.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 BMW 320 | 1980 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | BMW | Mercury |
| Model | 320 | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 4184 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 641 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 9000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 840 kg | 1410 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 4960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2690 mm |
