1981 BMW 525 vs. 2006 Mercury Grand Marquis
To start off, 2006 Mercury Grand Marquis is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 BMW 525. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 BMW 525 would be higher. At 4,604 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 Mercury Grand Marquis is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercury Grand Marquis (224 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 76 more horse power than 1981 BMW 525. (148 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercury Grand Marquis should accelerate faster than 1981 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercury Grand Marquis weights approximately 795 kg more than 1981 BMW 525. 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, 2006 Mercury Grand Marquis (373 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 158 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW 525. (215 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 Mercury Grand Marquis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 BMW 525.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 BMW 525 | 2006 Mercury Grand Marquis | |
| Make | BMW | Mercury |
| Model | 525 | Grand Marquis |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2495 cc | 4604 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 224 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 215 Nm | 373 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 6 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 2075 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 5390 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1990 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2920 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.2 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.1 L/100km | 13.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.4 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 72 L |
