2000 BMW Z3 vs. 1979 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2000 BMW Z3 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 BMW Z3 (167 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 1979 Mercury Cougar. (134 HP @ 3400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 BMW Z3 should accelerate faster than 1979 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 469 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, 1979 Mercury Cougar (336 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 126 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 BMW Z3. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1979 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 BMW Z3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 BMW Z3 | 1979 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | BMW | Mercury |
| Model | Z3 | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2171 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 336 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1386 kg | 1855 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 5480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 2010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2910 mm |
