1978 BMW M1 vs. 1968 Mercury Marauder
To start off, 1978 BMW M1 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Mercury Marauder. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Mercury Marauder would be higher. At 7,003 cc (8 cylinders), 1968 Mercury Marauder is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 BMW M1 (273 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 68 more horse power than 1968 Mercury Marauder. (205 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 BMW M1 should accelerate faster than 1968 Mercury Marauder. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Mercury Marauder weights approximately 720 kg more than 1978 BMW M1.
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, 1968 Mercury Marauder (453 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 123 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 BMW M1. (330 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1968 Mercury Marauder will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 BMW M1.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 BMW M1 | 1968 Mercury Marauder | |
| Make | BMW | Mercury |
| Model | M1 | Marauder |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1968 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3453 cc | 7003 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 273 HP | 205 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 453 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 2020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 5640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 2040 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1140 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 3160 mm |
