1963 BMW 1800 vs. 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis
To start off, 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 BMW 1800. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 BMW 1800 would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis (129 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 1963 BMW 1800. (90 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis should accelerate faster than 1963 BMW 1800. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis weights approximately 590 kg more than 1963 BMW 1800. 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, 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis (303 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 159 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 BMW 1800. (144 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1963 BMW 1800.
Compare all specifications:
| 1963 BMW 1800 | 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis | |
| Make | BMW | Mercury |
| Model | 1800 | Grand Marquis |
| Year Released | 1963 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1766 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 303 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1100 kg | 1690 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 5400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1980 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2910 mm |
