1999 BMW 540 vs. 1980 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 1999 BMW 540 is newer by 19 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 4,398 cc (8 cylinders), 1999 BMW 540 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 BMW 540 (282 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 166 more horse power than 1980 Mercury Cougar. (116 HP @ 3400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 1980 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 BMW 540 weights approximately 361 kg more than 1980 Mercury Cougar. 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, 1999 BMW 540 (439 Nm) has 175 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Mercury Cougar. (264 Nm). This means 1999 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 BMW 540 | 1980 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | BMW | Mercury |
| Model | 540 | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 4184 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7400 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 439 Nm | 264 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1771 kg | 1410 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2690 mm |
