2009 BMW M3 vs. 1981 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2009 BMW M3 is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 3,999 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 300 more horse power than 1981 Mercury Cougar. (114 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1981 Mercury Cougar.
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 (295 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 58 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Mercury Cougar. (237 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2009 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW M3 | 1981 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | BMW | Mercury |
| Model | M3 | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3999 cc | 3797 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 414 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 295 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 4960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2690 mm |
