1996 BMW 540 vs. 1981 Mercury Grand Marquis
To start off, 1996 BMW 540 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Mercury Grand Marquis. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Mercury Grand Marquis would be higher. At 4,397 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 540 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 540 (282 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 164 more horse power than 1981 Mercury Grand Marquis. (118 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 1981 Mercury Grand Marquis. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 135 kg more than 1981 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, 1996 BMW 540 (440 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 178 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Mercury Grand Marquis. (262 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Mercury Grand Marquis.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 540 | 1981 Mercury Grand Marquis | |
| Make | BMW | Mercury |
| Model | 540 | Grand Marquis |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4397 cc | 4186 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 262 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1815 kg | 1680 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 5400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1980 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2910 mm |
