2005 BMW M3 vs. 1973 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2005 BMW M3 is newer by 32 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 5,769 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 BMW M3 (320 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 152 more horse power than 1973 Mercury Cougar. (168 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 BMW M3 weights approximately 40 kg more than 1973 Mercury Cougar. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1973 Mercury Cougar (363 Nm) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 BMW M3. (337 Nm). This means 1973 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 BMW M3 | 1973 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | BMW | Mercury |
| Model | M3 | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1973 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3244 cc | 5769 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 320 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 337 Nm | 363 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 88.8 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 1650 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 5080 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2860 mm |
