1974 BMW 2.8 vs. 2002 Mercury Grand Marquis
To start off, 2002 Mercury Grand Marquis is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 BMW 2.8. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 BMW 2.8 would be higher. At 4,604 cc (8 cylinders), 2002 Mercury Grand Marquis is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mercury Grand Marquis (208 HP @ 4250 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1974 BMW 2.8. (187 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercury Grand Marquis should accelerate faster than 1974 BMW 2.8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercury Grand Marquis weights approximately 292 kg more than 1974 BMW 2.8. 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, 2002 Mercury Grand Marquis (359 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 64 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 BMW 2.8. (295 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2002 Mercury Grand Marquis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 BMW 2.8.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 BMW 2.8 | 2002 Mercury Grand Marquis | |
| Make | BMW | Mercury |
| Model | 2.8 | Grand Marquis |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3293 cc | 4604 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 187 HP | 208 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Torque | 295 Nm | 359 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1540 kg | 1832 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 5390 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 2000 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2760 mm |
