1978 Mercury Grand Marquis vs. 2010 BMW 325
To start off, 2010 BMW 325 is newer by 32 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, 2010 BMW 325 (215 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 86 more horse power than 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis. (129 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 BMW 325 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 15 kg more than 2010 BMW 325.
Because 2010 BMW 325 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2010 BMW 325 will offer significantly more control. 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 53 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 BMW 325. (250 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 BMW 325.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis | 2010 BMW 325 | |
| Make | Mercury | BMW |
| Model | Grand Marquis | 325 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 2494 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 303 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 1675 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5400 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2770 mm |
