2009 BMW M3 vs. 1971 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2009 BMW M3 is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 5,769 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 247 more horse power than 1971 Mercury Cougar. (167 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1971 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 120 kg more than 2009 BMW M3.
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, 2009 BMW M3 (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 37 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Mercury Cougar. (363 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2009 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW M3 | 1971 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | BMW | Mercury |
| Model | M3 | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3999 cc | 5769 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 414 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 363 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1530 kg | 1650 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 5080 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1450 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2860 mm |
