2006 BMW 316 vs. 2001 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2006 BMW 316 is newer by 5 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 1,983 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Mercury Cougar (123 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 2006 BMW 316. (113 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 2006 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW 316 weights approximately 151 kg more than 2001 Mercury Cougar.
Because 2006 BMW 316 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 2006 BMW 316. 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, both vehicles can yield 176 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles. 2001 Mercury Cougar has automatic transmission and 2006 BMW 316 has manual transmission. 2006 BMW 316 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 Mercury Cougar will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW 316 | 2001 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | BMW | Mercury |
| Model | 316 | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1983 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 176 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1465 kg | 1314 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2710 mm |
