1987 Mercury Grand Marquis vs. 2011 BMW 520
To start off, 2011 BMW 520 is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Mercury Grand Marquis. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Mercury Grand Marquis would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1987 Mercury Grand Marquis is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 520 (182 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1987 Mercury Grand Marquis. (148 HP @ 3200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1987 Mercury Grand Marquis. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 520 weights approximately 40 kg more than 1987 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, 1987 Mercury Grand Marquis (366 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 96 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 BMW 520. (270 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1987 Mercury Grand Marquis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Mercury Grand Marquis | 2011 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Mercury | BMW |
| Model | Grand Marquis | 520 |
| Year Released | 1987 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 366 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4500 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 | 1750 kg | 1790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5400 mm | 4907 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1462 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2920 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 70 L |
