1989 BMW Z1 vs. 1998 Ford Cougar
To start off, 1998 Ford Cougar is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 BMW Z1. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 BMW Z1 would be higher. At 2,544 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Ford Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 BMW Z1 (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1998 Ford Cougar. (168 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 BMW Z1 should accelerate faster than 1998 Ford Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Ford Cougar weights approximately 169 kg more than 1989 BMW Z1.
Because 1989 BMW Z1 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 1989 BMW Z1. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Ford 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, 1989 BMW Z1 (231 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Ford Cougar. (221 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1989 BMW Z1 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Ford Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 BMW Z1 | 1998 Ford Cougar | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | Z1 | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 2544 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 231 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 82.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 1419 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2580 mm |
