2003 BMW 330 vs. 1973 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2003 BMW 330 is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 7,542 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Mercury Cougar (213 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 2003 BMW 330. (184 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 2003 BMW 330. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 300 kg more than 2003 BMW 330. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 BMW 330 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1973 Mercury Cougar. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 BMW 330 will offer significantly more control. 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, 1973 Mercury Cougar (498 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 88 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW 330. (410 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 1973 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 BMW 330.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW 330 | 1973 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | BMW | Mercury |
| Model | 330 | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1973 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2996 cc | 7542 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 184 HP | 213 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 410 Nm | 498 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1500 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1805 kg | 2105 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 5480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 2010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2910 mm |
