1999 Mercury Cougar vs. 2008 BMW 523
To start off, 2008 BMW 523 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 2,530 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 523 (175 HP) has 7 more horse power than 1999 Mercury Cougar. (168 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 523 should accelerate faster than 1999 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 64 kg more than 2008 BMW 523.
Because 2008 BMW 523 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 2008 BMW 523. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 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, 2008 BMW 523 (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Mercury Cougar. (223 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 523 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Mercury Cougar. 2008 BMW 523 has automatic transmission and 1999 Mercury Cougar has manual transmission. 1999 Mercury Cougar will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 BMW 523 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Mercury Cougar | 2008 BMW 523 | |
| Make | Mercury | BMW |
| Model | Cougar | 523 |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2530 cc | 2497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 175 HP |
| Torque | 223 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1344 kg | 1280 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 58 L | 70 L |
