1997 BMW M3 vs. 1986 Mercury Grand Marquis
To start off, 1997 BMW M3 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Mercury Grand Marquis. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Mercury Grand Marquis would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1986 Mercury Grand Marquis is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 BMW M3 (240 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 92 more horse power than 1986 Mercury Grand Marquis. (148 HP @ 3200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1986 Mercury Grand Marquis. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Mercury Grand Marquis weights approximately 450 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, 1986 Mercury Grand Marquis (367 Nm) has 131 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 BMW M3. (236 Nm). This means 1986 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 | 1986 Mercury Grand Marquis | |
| Make | BMW | Mercury |
| Model | M3 | Grand Marquis |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1986 |
| 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 | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Torque | 236 Nm | 367 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 1750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 5400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1980 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2920 mm |
