1997 BMW M3 vs. 1980 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 1997 BMW M3 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 4,184 cc (8 cylinders), 1980 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 BMW M3 (240 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 124 more horse power than 1980 Mercury Cougar. (116 HP @ 3400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1980 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 110 kg more than 1997 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, 1980 Mercury Cougar (264 Nm) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 BMW M3. (236 Nm). This means 1980 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 BMW M3 | 1980 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | BMW | Mercury |
| Model | M3 | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3201 cc | 4184 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 236 Nm | 264 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 1410 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2690 mm |
