2008 BMW 523 vs. 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis
To start off, 2008 BMW 523 is newer by 30 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, 2008 BMW 523 (175 HP) has 46 more horse power than 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis. (129 HP). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 523 should accelerate faster than 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis weights approximately 410 kg more than 2008 BMW 523.
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 73 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 523. (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 523.
Compare all specifications:
2008 BMW 523 | 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis | |
Make | BMW | Mercury |
Model | 523 | Grand Marquis |
Year Released | 2008 | 1978 |
Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2497 cc | 4942 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Horse Power | 175 HP | 129 HP |
Torque | 230 Nm | 303 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2600 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 1690 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 5400 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1980 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1390 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2910 mm |