1978 BMW M1 vs. 1981 Mercury Grand Marquis
To start off, 1981 Mercury Grand Marquis is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 BMW M1. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 BMW M1 would be higher. At 4,186 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Mercury Grand Marquis is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 BMW M1 (273 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 155 more horse power than 1981 Mercury Grand Marquis. (118 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 BMW M1 should accelerate faster than 1981 Mercury Grand Marquis. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Mercury Grand Marquis weights approximately 380 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, 1978 BMW M1 (330 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 68 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Mercury Grand Marquis. (262 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1978 BMW M1 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Mercury Grand Marquis.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 BMW M1 | 1981 Mercury Grand Marquis | |
| Make | BMW | Mercury |
| Model | M1 | Grand Marquis |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3453 cc | 4186 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 273 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 262 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 1680 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 5400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1980 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1140 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2910 mm |
