2004 BMW 325 vs. 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis
To start off, 2004 BMW 325 is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis (129 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 2004 BMW 325. (116 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis should accelerate faster than 2004 BMW 325. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis weights approximately 355 kg more than 2004 BMW 325. 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, 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis (303 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 81 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 BMW 325. (222 Nm @ 1900 RPM). This means 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 BMW 325.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW 325 | 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis | |
| Make | BMW | Mercury |
| Model | 325 | Grand Marquis |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 303 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1900 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1335 kg | 1690 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 5400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1980 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2910 mm |
