1978 Mercury Grand Marquis vs. 2012 BMW 335
To start off, 2012 BMW 335 is newer by 34 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 5,766 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 335 (311 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 172 more horse power than 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis. (139 HP @ 3200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 335 should accelerate faster than 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis.
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, 2012 BMW 335 (600 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 247 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis. (353 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 335 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis | 2012 BMW 335 | |
| Make | Mercury | BMW |
| Model | Grand Marquis | 335 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5766 cc | 2993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 139 HP | 311 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 353 Nm | 600 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 5400 mm | 4624 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1811 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1384 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2810 mm |
