1980 BMW M1 vs. 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis
To start off, 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 BMW M1. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 BMW M1 would be higher. At 4,603 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 BMW M1 (273 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis. (223 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 BMW M1 should accelerate faster than 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis weights approximately 316 kg more than 1980 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, 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis (372 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 42 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 BMW M1. (330 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 BMW M1. 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis has automatic transmission and 1980 BMW M1 has manual transmission. 1980 BMW M1 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 BMW M1 | 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis | |
| Make | BMW | Mercury |
| Model | M1 | Grand Marquis |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3453 cc | 4603 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 273 HP | 223 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 372 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1416 kg | 1732 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 5390 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 2000 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2920 mm |
