2006 BMW X5 vs. 1979 Mercury Grand Marquis
To start off, 2006 BMW X5 is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Mercury Grand Marquis. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Mercury Grand Marquis would be higher. At 4,186 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Mercury Grand Marquis is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW X5 (228 HP @ 3500 RPM) has 110 more horse power than 1979 Mercury Grand Marquis. (118 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW X5 should accelerate faster than 1979 Mercury Grand Marquis. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mercury Grand Marquis weights approximately 50 kg more than 2006 BMW X5.
Because 2006 BMW X5 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1979 Mercury Grand Marquis. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 BMW X5 will offer significantly more control. 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, 2006 BMW X5 (300 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 38 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mercury Grand Marquis. (262 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2006 BMW X5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mercury Grand Marquis.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW X5 | 1979 Mercury Grand Marquis | |
| Make | BMW | Mercury |
| Model | X5 | Grand Marquis |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1979 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2979 cc | 4186 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 228 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 262 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1630 kg | 1680 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 5400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1980 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1720 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2910 mm |
