2000 BMW Z3 vs. 1974 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2000 BMW Z3 is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 5,752 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 BMW Z3 (167 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1974 Mercury Cougar. (161 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 BMW Z3 should accelerate faster than 1974 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 189 kg more than 2000 BMW Z3.
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, 1974 Mercury Cougar (382 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 172 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 BMW Z3. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1974 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 BMW Z3. 2000 BMW Z3 has automatic transmission and 1974 Mercury Cougar has manual transmission. 1974 Mercury Cougar will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2000 BMW Z3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 BMW Z3 | 1974 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | BMW | Mercury |
| Model | Z3 | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2171 cc | 5752 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 382 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1386 kg | 1575 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 5010 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2860 mm |
