1995 BMW Z3 vs. 1981 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 1995 BMW Z3 is newer by 14 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, 1995 BMW Z3 (140 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 1981 Mercury Cougar. (114 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1995 BMW Z3 should accelerate faster than 1981 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 181 kg more than 1995 BMW Z3.
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, 1981 Mercury Cougar (237 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 58 more torque (in Nm) than 1995 BMW Z3. (179 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1981 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1995 BMW Z3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 BMW Z3 | 1981 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | BMW | Mercury |
| Model | Z3 | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1995 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1894 cc | 3797 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 179 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1175 kg | 1356 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 4960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2690 mm |
