1971 BMW 3 vs. 1985 Mercury Grand Marquis
To start off, 1985 Mercury Grand Marquis is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 BMW 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 BMW 3 would be higher. At 4,940 cc (8 cylinders), 1985 Mercury Grand Marquis is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 BMW 3 (180 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1985 Mercury Grand Marquis. (148 HP @ 3200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 1985 Mercury Grand Marquis. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Mercury Grand Marquis weights approximately 370 kg more than 1971 BMW 3.
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, 1985 Mercury Grand Marquis (366 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 111 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 BMW 3. (255 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 1985 Mercury Grand Marquis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 BMW 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 BMW 3 | 1985 Mercury Grand Marquis | |
| Make | BMW | Mercury |
| Model | 3 | Grand Marquis |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1985 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 4940 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 180 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Torque | 255 Nm | 366 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 5400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1980 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2920 mm |
