1971 BMW 3 vs. 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis
To start off, 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis is newer by 32 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 4,604 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis (208 HP @ 4250 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1971 BMW 3. (180 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis should accelerate faster than 1971 BMW 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis weights approximately 452 kg more than 1971 BMW 3. 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, 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis (359 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 104 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 BMW 3. (255 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 BMW 3. 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis has automatic transmission and 1971 BMW 3 has manual transmission. 1971 BMW 3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 BMW 3 | 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis | |
| Make | BMW | Mercury |
| Model | 3 | Grand Marquis |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 4604 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 180 HP | 208 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Torque | 255 Nm | 359 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1832 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 5390 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1990 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2760 mm |
