2001 Mercury Cougar vs. 2004 BMW 316
To start off, 2004 BMW 316 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 2,543 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Mercury Cougar (196 HP @ 6750 RPM) has 83 more horse power than 2004 BMW 316. (113 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 2004 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 72 kg more than 2004 BMW 316. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2004 BMW 316 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 2004 BMW 316. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 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 Mercury Cougar (228 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 53 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 BMW 316. (175 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2001 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 BMW 316. 2004 BMW 316 has automatic transmission and 2001 Mercury Cougar has manual transmission. 2001 Mercury Cougar will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 BMW 316 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Mercury Cougar | 2004 BMW 316 | |
| Make | Mercury | BMW |
| Model | Cougar | 316 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2543 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 196 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6750 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 228 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.4 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1407 kg | 1335 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 58 L | 63 L |
