1978 Mercury Grand Marquis vs. 2012 BMW X3
To start off, 2012 BMW X3 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 X3 (240 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 101 more horse power than 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis. (139 HP @ 3200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW X3 should accelerate faster than 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW X3 weights approximately 155 kg more than 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 BMW X3 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 BMW X3 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 (353 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 54 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 BMW X3. (299 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 BMW X3.
Compare all specifications:
1978 Mercury Grand Marquis | 2012 BMW X3 | |
Make | Mercury | BMW |
Model | Grand Marquis | X3 |
Year Released | 1978 | 2012 |
Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 5766 cc | 3000 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 139 HP | 240 HP |
Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 6600 RPM |
Torque | 353 Nm | 299 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 2750 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1710 kg | 1865 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5400 mm | 4648 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1881 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1675 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2810 mm |