1986 BMW 316 vs. 1971 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 1986 BMW 316 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 5,769 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Mercury Cougar (167 HP) has 81 more horse power than 1986 BMW 316. (86 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1986 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 580 kg more than 1986 BMW 316. 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, 1971 Mercury Cougar (363 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 240 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 BMW 316. (123 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1971 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 BMW 316 | 1971 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | BMW | Mercury |
| Model | 316 | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1971 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1573 cc | 5769 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 86 HP | 167 HP |
| Torque | 123 Nm | 363 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1070 kg | 1650 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 5080 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2860 mm |
