1998 BMW 317 vs. 1979 Mercury Grand Marquis
To start off, 1998 BMW 317 is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Mercury Grand Marquis. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Mercury Grand Marquis would be higher. At 4,186 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Mercury Grand Marquis is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Mercury Grand Marquis (118 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 1998 BMW 317. (89 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Mercury Grand Marquis should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 317. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mercury Grand Marquis weights approximately 325 kg more than 1998 BMW 317. 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, 1979 Mercury Grand Marquis (262 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 72 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 317. (190 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1979 Mercury Grand Marquis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 317.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 317 | 1979 Mercury Grand Marquis | |
| Make | BMW | Mercury |
| Model | 317 | Grand Marquis |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1665 cc | 4186 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 262 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1355 kg | 1680 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 5400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1980 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2910 mm |
