2003 BMW X3 vs. 2001 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2003 BMW X3 is newer by 2 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 2,995 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 BMW X3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW X3 (201 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 2001 Mercury Cougar. (196 HP @ 6750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW X3 should accelerate faster than 2001 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW X3 weights approximately 523 kg more than 2001 Mercury Cougar. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 BMW X3 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2001 Mercury Cougar. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 BMW X3 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, 2003 BMW X3 (410 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 182 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Mercury Cougar. (228 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2003 BMW X3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Mercury Cougar. 2003 BMW X3 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. 2003 BMW X3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW X3 | 2001 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | BMW | Mercury |
| Model | X3 | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2001 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2995 cc | 2543 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 201 HP | 196 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6750 RPM |
| Torque | 410 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 82.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1930 kg | 1407 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4570 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1680 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 58 L |
