2009 BMW 325 vs. 1973 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2009 BMW 325 is newer by 36 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, 2009 BMW 325 (215 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1973 Mercury Cougar. (168 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 325 should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 325 weights approximately 25 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.
Because 2009 BMW 325 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1973 Mercury Cougar. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 BMW 325 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, 1973 Mercury Cougar (363 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 113 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 325. (250 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 1973 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 325.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 325 | 1973 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | BMW | Mercury |
| Model | 325 | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1973 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 5769 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 363 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 88.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1675 kg | 1650 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 5080 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2860 mm |
