1996 BMW 535 vs. 1973 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 1996 BMW 535 is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 6,589 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 535 (235 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 1973 Mercury Cougar. (168 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 535 should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 445 kg more than 1996 BMW 535.
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, 1973 Mercury Cougar (375 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 535. (320 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1973 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 535.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 535 | 1973 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | BMW | Mercury |
| Model | 535 | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1973 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3498 cc | 6589 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 235 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 375 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1610 kg | 2055 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 5480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 2010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2910 mm |
