2004 BMW 120 vs. 1981 Mercury Lynx
To start off, 2004 BMW 120 is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Mercury Lynx. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Mercury Lynx would be higher. At 1,971 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 BMW 120 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 BMW 120 (120 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1981 Mercury Lynx. (70 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 1981 Mercury Lynx. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW 120 weights approximately 435 kg more than 1981 Mercury Lynx. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2004 BMW 120 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 120. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Mercury Lynx, 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, 2004 BMW 120 (285 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 164 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Mercury Lynx. (121 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2004 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Mercury Lynx.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW 120 | 1981 Mercury Lynx | |
| Make | BMW | Mercury |
| Model | 120 | Lynx |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1971 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 121 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.2:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2400 mm |
