1980 Mercury Cougar vs. 2011 BMW 125
To start off, 2011 BMW 125 is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 3,271 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 125 (215 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 118 more horse power than 1980 Mercury Cougar. (97 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 125 should accelerate faster than 1980 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 10 kg more than 2011 BMW 125.
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. Let's talk about torque, 2011 BMW 125 (251 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 33 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Mercury Cougar. (218 Nm @ 1400 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 125 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Mercury Cougar | 2011 BMW 125 | |
| Make | Mercury | BMW |
| Model | Cougar | 125 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3271 cc | 2497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 97 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1400 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1330 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4960 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2670 mm |
