2009 BMW 550 vs. 2001 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2009 BMW 550 is newer by 8 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 2,543 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 550 (362 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 166 more horse power than 2001 Mercury Cougar. (196 HP @ 6750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 2001 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 550 weights approximately 253 kg more than 2001 Mercury Cougar. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 BMW 550 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 2009 BMW 550. 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, 2009 BMW 550 (490 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 262 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Mercury Cougar. (228 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 550 | 2001 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | BMW | Mercury |
| Model | 550 | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2495 cc | 2543 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 362 HP | 196 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6750 RPM |
| Torque | 490 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1660 kg | 1407 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1490 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 58 L |
