1998 BMW 325 vs. 1971 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 1998 BMW 325 is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 5,769 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Mercury Cougar (167 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1998 BMW 325. (114 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 325. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 216 kg more than 1998 BMW 325. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1971 Mercury Cougar (363 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 143 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 325. (220 Nm @ 1900 RPM). This means 1971 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 325.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 325 | 1971 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | BMW | Mercury |
| Model | 325 | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2498 cc | 5769 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 363 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1900 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1434 kg | 1650 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 5080 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2860 mm |
