2001 BMW 320 vs. 1999 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2001 BMW 320 is newer by 2 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, 1999 Mercury Cougar (168 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 2001 BMW 320. (148 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 2001 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 BMW 320 weights approximately 126 kg more than 1999 Mercury Cougar.
Because 2001 BMW 320 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 2001 BMW 320. 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, 2001 BMW 320 (355 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 132 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Mercury Cougar. (223 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2001 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 BMW 320 | 1999 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | BMW | Mercury |
| Model | 320 | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2530 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 355 Nm | 223 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 82.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1470 kg | 1344 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 58 L |
