2006 BMW M3 vs. 2001 Ford Cougar
To start off, 2006 BMW M3 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Ford Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Ford Cougar would be higher. At 3,245 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW M3 (338 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 170 more horse power than 2001 Ford Cougar. (168 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2001 Ford Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW M3 weights approximately 556 kg more than 2001 Ford Cougar. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 BMW M3 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 M3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Ford 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, 2006 BMW M3 (365 Nm) has 67 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Ford Cougar. (298 Nm). This means 2006 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Ford Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW M3 | 2001 Ford Cougar | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | M3 | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3245 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 338 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 298 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1835 kg | 1279 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2710 mm |
