2004 BMW 320 vs. 1981 Mercury Grand Marquis
To start off, 2004 BMW 320 is newer by 23 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, 2004 BMW 320 (174 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 1981 Mercury Grand Marquis. (118 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 BMW 320 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 65 kg more than 2004 BMW 320.
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, 1981 Mercury Grand Marquis (262 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 51 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 BMW 320. (211 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1981 Mercury Grand Marquis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 BMW 320.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW 320 | 1981 Mercury Grand Marquis | |
| Make | BMW | Mercury |
| Model | 320 | Grand Marquis |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2171 cc | 4186 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 174 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 211 Nm | 262 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1615 kg | 1680 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 5400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1980 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2910 mm |
