1978 Mercury Grand Marquis vs. 2007 BMW 318
To start off, 2007 BMW 318 is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 BMW 318 (148 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis. (129 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 BMW 318 should accelerate faster than 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis weights approximately 110 kg more than 2007 BMW 318.
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 Mercury Grand Marquis (303 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 103 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 BMW 318. (200 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis | 2007 BMW 318 | |
| Make | Mercury | BMW |
| Model | Grand Marquis | 318 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 1994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 303 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 90 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 1580 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5400 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2730 mm |
