1987 BMW 318 vs. 1999 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 1999 Mercury Cougar is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 BMW 318. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 BMW 318 would be higher. At 2,530 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Mercury Cougar (168 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 1987 BMW 318. (114 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1987 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 378 kg more than 1987 BMW 318. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1987 BMW 318 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1987 BMW 318. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Mercury Cougar, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1999 Mercury Cougar (223 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 62 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 BMW 318. (161 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1999 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 BMW 318. 1999 Mercury Cougar has automatic transmission and 1987 BMW 318 has manual transmission. 1987 BMW 318 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1999 Mercury Cougar will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 BMW 318 | 1999 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | BMW | Mercury |
| Model | 318 | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2530 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 161 Nm | 223 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 82.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 1344 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2710 mm |
