1996 BMW M3 vs. 1972 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 1996 BMW M3 is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 5,769 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW M3 (326 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 159 more horse power than 1972 Mercury Cougar. (167 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1972 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 68 kg more than 1996 BMW M3.
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, 1972 Mercury Cougar (363 Nm) has 58 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW M3. (305 Nm). This means 1972 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW M3 | 1972 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | BMW | Mercury |
| Model | M3 | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3001 cc | 5769 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 326 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 363 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.2 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.9 mm | 88.8 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1588 kg | 1656 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 5080 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2860 mm |
