1981 Mercury Cougar vs. 2006 BMW 525
To start off, 2006 BMW 525 is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 3,797 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW 525 (215 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 101 more horse power than 1981 Mercury Cougar. (114 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 1981 Mercury Cougar.
Because 2006 BMW 525 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Mercury Cougar. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 BMW 525 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, 2006 BMW 525 (250 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Mercury Cougar. (237 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2006 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Mercury Cougar | 2006 BMW 525 | |
| Make | Mercury | BMW |
| Model | Cougar | 525 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3797 cc | 2497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 237 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4960 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2840 mm |
