2009 BMW 318 vs. 1974 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2009 BMW 318 is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 5,752 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Mercury Cougar (161 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 2009 BMW 318. (141 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 140 kg more than 2009 BMW 318. 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, 1974 Mercury Cougar (382 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 192 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 318. (190 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1974 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 318 | 1974 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | BMW | Mercury |
| Model | 318 | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 5752 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 382 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1435 kg | 1575 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 5010 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2860 mm |
