1998 BMW 318 vs. 2002 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2002 Mercury Cougar is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 BMW 318. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 BMW 318 would be higher. At 1,982 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mercury Cougar (123 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1998 BMW 318. (116 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 318 weights approximately 85 kg more than 2002 Mercury Cougar.
Because 1998 BMW 318 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 1998 BMW 318. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 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, 1998 BMW 318 (180 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Mercury Cougar. (176 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1998 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Mercury Cougar. 1998 BMW 318 has automatic transmission and 2002 Mercury Cougar has manual transmission. 2002 Mercury Cougar will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 BMW 318 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 318 | 2002 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | BMW | Mercury |
| Model | 318 | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1895 cc | 1982 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 176 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1395 kg | 1310 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2710 mm |
