1980 Mercury Cougar vs. 2012 BMW 128
To start off, 2012 BMW 128 is newer by 32 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, 2012 BMW 128 (230 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 133 more horse power than 1980 Mercury Cougar. (97 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 128 should accelerate faster than 1980 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 128 weights approximately 255 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, 2012 BMW 128 (271 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 53 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Mercury Cougar. (218 Nm @ 1400 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 128 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Mercury Cougar | 2012 BMW 128 | |
| Make | Mercury | BMW |
| Model | Cougar | 128 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3271 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 97 HP | 230 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1400 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1330 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4960 mm | 4374 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1748 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1412 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2659 mm |
