2003 BMW 645 vs. 1978 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2003 BMW 645 is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 4,941 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW 645 (325 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 192 more horse power than 1978 Mercury Cougar. (133 HP @ 3400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW 645 should accelerate faster than 1978 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 165 kg more than 2003 BMW 645.
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, 2003 BMW 645 (450 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 114 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mercury Cougar. (336 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2003 BMW 645 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW 645 | 1978 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | BMW | Mercury |
| Model | 645 | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 4941 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 325 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 450 Nm | 336 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 1855 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4830 mm | 5480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 2010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2910 mm |
