2008 BMW 535 vs. 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis
To start off, 2008 BMW 535 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 5,766 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 535 (300 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 161 more horse power than 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis. (139 HP @ 3200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 535 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 195 kg more than 2008 BMW 535.
Because 2008 BMW 535 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 BMW 535 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, 2008 BMW 535 (407 Nm @ 1400 RPM) has 54 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis. (353 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 535 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 535 | 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis | |
| Make | BMW | Mercury |
| Model | 535 | Grand Marquis |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2979 cc | 5766 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 300 HP | 139 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Torque | 407 Nm | 353 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1400 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1515 kg | 1710 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4860 mm | 5400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1980 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2910 mm |
