1998 Mercury Grand Marquis vs. 2012 BMW M3
To start off, 2012 BMW M3 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis would be higher. At 4,603 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 191 more horse power than 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis. (223 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW M3 weights approximately 153 kg more than 1998 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, 2012 BMW M3 (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis. (372 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis. 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis has automatic transmission and 2012 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 2012 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis | 2012 BMW M3 | |
| Make | Mercury | BMW |
| Model | Grand Marquis | M3 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4603 cc | 3999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 223 HP | 414 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 8300 RPM |
| Torque | 372 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90.2 mm | 75.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 92 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1732 kg | 1885 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5390 mm | 4615 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2000 mm | 1803 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1392 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2920 mm | 2761 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 14.7 L/100km | 9.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 63 L |
