1997 BMW 850 vs. 2001 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2001 Mercury Cougar is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 BMW 850. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 BMW 850 would be higher. At 5,379 cc (12 cylinders), 1997 BMW 850 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 BMW 850 (329 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 133 more horse power than 2001 Mercury Cougar. (196 HP @ 6750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 BMW 850 should accelerate faster than 2001 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 BMW 850 weights approximately 538 kg more than 2001 Mercury Cougar. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1997 BMW 850 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 1997 BMW 850. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 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, 1997 BMW 850 (490 Nm) has 262 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Mercury Cougar. (228 Nm). This means 1997 BMW 850 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Mercury Cougar. 1997 BMW 850 has automatic transmission and 2001 Mercury Cougar has manual transmission. 2001 Mercury Cougar will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 BMW 850 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 BMW 850 | 2001 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | BMW | Mercury |
| Model | 850 | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5379 cc | 2543 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 329 HP | 196 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6750 RPM |
| Torque | 490 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 85.1 mm | 82.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1945 kg | 1407 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2710 mm |
