2009 BMW Z4 vs. 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis
To start off, 2009 BMW Z4 is newer by 31 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, 2009 BMW Z4 (261 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 132 more horse power than 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis. (129 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW Z4 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 295 kg more than 2009 BMW Z4.
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, 2009 BMW Z4 (315 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis. (303 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2009 BMW Z4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW Z4 | 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis | |
| Make | BMW | Mercury |
| Model | Z4 | Grand Marquis |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2996 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 261 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 315 Nm | 303 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85.1 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1395 kg | 1690 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 5400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1980 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2910 mm |
