2004 BMW 545 vs. 1978 Ford Crown Victoria
To start off, 2004 BMW 545 is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Ford Crown Victoria. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Ford Crown Victoria would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Ford Crown Victoria is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 BMW 545 (325 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 196 more horse power than 1978 Ford Crown Victoria. (129 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 BMW 545 should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Crown Victoria. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW 545 weights approximately 156 kg more than 1978 Ford Crown Victoria. 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, 2004 BMW 545 (450 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 148 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Crown Victoria. (302 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2004 BMW 545 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Crown Victoria.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW 545 | 1978 Ford Crown Victoria | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 545 | Crown Victoria |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 325 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 450 Nm | 302 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1800 kg | 1644 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 5320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1980 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2910 mm |
