1990 BMW M3 vs. 1999 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 1999 Mercury Cougar is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 BMW M3 would be higher. At 2,530 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 BMW M3 (238 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 1999 Mercury Cougar. (168 HP @ 6250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1999 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 144 kg more than 1990 BMW M3.
Because 1990 BMW M3 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 1990 BMW M3. 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, 1990 BMW M3 (240 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Mercury Cougar. (223 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1990 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 BMW M3 | 1999 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | BMW | Mercury |
| Model | M3 | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2467 cc | 2530 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 238 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 223 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.1 mm | 82.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 1344 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 58 L |
