2005 BMW 320 vs. 2001 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2005 BMW 320 is newer by 4 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 28 more horse power than 2005 BMW 320. (168 HP @ 6100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 2005 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 BMW 320 weights approximately 63 kg more than 2001 Mercury Cougar.
Because 2005 BMW 320 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 2005 BMW 320. 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 18 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 BMW 320. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2001 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 BMW 320.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 BMW 320 | 2001 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | BMW | Mercury |
| Model | 320 | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2171 cc | 2543 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 196 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 6750 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1470 kg | 1407 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2790 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 58 L |
