1980 Mercury Grand Marquis vs. 2012 BMW 328
To start off, 2012 BMW 328 is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Mercury Grand Marquis. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Mercury Grand Marquis would be higher. At 4,184 cc (8 cylinders), 1980 Mercury Grand Marquis is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 328 (230 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 112 more horse power than 1980 Mercury Grand Marquis. (118 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 328 should accelerate faster than 1980 Mercury Grand Marquis. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 328 weights approximately 55 kg more than 1980 Mercury Grand Marquis. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 328 (271 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Mercury Grand Marquis. (262 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 328 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Mercury Grand Marquis.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Mercury Grand Marquis | 2012 BMW 328 | |
| Make | Mercury | BMW |
| Model | Grand Marquis | 328 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4184 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 230 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 262 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1680 kg | 1735 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5400 mm | 4536 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1816 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1417 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2810 mm |
