1997 BMW M3 vs. 1983 Mercury Grand Marquis
To start off, 1997 BMW M3 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Mercury Grand Marquis. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Mercury Grand Marquis would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1983 Mercury Grand Marquis is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 BMW M3 (240 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 111 more horse power than 1983 Mercury Grand Marquis. (129 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1983 Mercury Grand Marquis. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Mercury Grand Marquis weights approximately 390 kg more than 1997 BMW M3.
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, 1983 Mercury Grand Marquis (302 Nm) has 66 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 BMW M3. (236 Nm). This means 1983 Mercury Grand Marquis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 BMW M3 | 1983 Mercury Grand Marquis | |
| Make | BMW | Mercury |
| Model | M3 | Grand Marquis |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1983 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3201 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 236 Nm | 302 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 1690 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 5400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1980 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2910 mm |
