2002 BMW M3 vs. 1981 Mercury Grand Marquis
To start off, 2002 BMW M3 is newer by 21 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 4,186 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Mercury Grand Marquis is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 BMW M3 (338 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 220 more horse power than 1981 Mercury Grand Marquis. (118 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1981 Mercury Grand Marquis. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Mercury Grand Marquis weights approximately 85 kg more than 2002 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, 2002 BMW M3 (355 Nm) has 93 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Mercury Grand Marquis. (262 Nm). This means 2002 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Mercury Grand Marquis.
Compare all specifications:
2002 BMW M3 | 1981 Mercury Grand Marquis | |
Make | BMW | Mercury |
Model | M3 | Grand Marquis |
Year Released | 2002 | 1981 |
Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3246 cc | 4186 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Horse Power | 338 HP | 118 HP |
Engine RPM | 7400 RPM | 3800 RPM |
Torque | 355 Nm | 262 Nm |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1595 kg | 1680 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 5400 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1980 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1390 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2910 mm |