1980 Mercury Cougar vs. 2011 BMW Z4
To start off, 2011 BMW Z4 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 Z4 (300 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 203 more horse power than 1980 Mercury Cougar. (97 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW Z4 should accelerate faster than 1980 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW Z4 weights approximately 260 kg more than 1980 Mercury Cougar. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 Z4 (406 Nm @ 1400 RPM) has 188 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Mercury Cougar. (218 Nm @ 1400 RPM). This means 2011 BMW Z4 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 Z4 | |
| Make | Mercury | BMW |
| Model | Cougar | Z4 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3271 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 97 HP | 300 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 406 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1400 RPM | 1400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1330 kg | 1590 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4960 mm | 4239 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1791 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2497 mm |
