2005 BMW X3 vs. 1970 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2005 BMW X3 is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 5,769 cc (8 cylinders), 1970 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 BMW X3 (228 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 1970 Mercury Cougar. (167 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 BMW X3 should accelerate faster than 1970 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 BMW X3 weights approximately 185 kg more than 1970 Mercury Cougar. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 BMW X3 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1970 Mercury Cougar. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 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, 1970 Mercury Cougar (363 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 63 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 BMW X3. (300 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1970 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 BMW X3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 BMW X3 | 1970 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | BMW | Mercury |
| Model | X3 | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1970 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2983 cc | 5769 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 228 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 363 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1835 kg | 1650 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4570 mm | 5840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 2000 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1680 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2860 mm |
