1981 Mercury Cougar vs. 2010 BMW 123
To start off, 2010 BMW 123 is newer by 29 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, 2010 BMW 123 (202 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 88 more horse power than 1981 Mercury Cougar. (114 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 BMW 123 should accelerate faster than 1981 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 BMW 123 weights approximately 259 kg more than 1981 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, 2010 BMW 123 (400 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 163 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Mercury Cougar. (237 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2010 BMW 123 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Mercury Cougar | 2010 BMW 123 | |
| Make | Mercury | BMW |
| Model | Cougar | 123 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2010 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3797 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 202 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 237 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1356 kg | 1615 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4960 mm | 4360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1748 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1411 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2660 mm |
