1961 AC Cobra vs. 1985 Mercury Grand Marquis
To start off, 1985 Mercury Grand Marquis is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 AC Cobra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 AC Cobra would be higher. At 4,940 cc (8 cylinders), 1985 Mercury Grand Marquis is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1961 AC Cobra (256 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 108 more horse power than 1985 Mercury Grand Marquis. (148 HP @ 3200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1961 AC Cobra should accelerate faster than 1985 Mercury Grand Marquis. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Mercury Grand Marquis weights approximately 770 kg more than 1961 AC Cobra.
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, 1985 Mercury Grand Marquis (366 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 1 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 AC Cobra. (365 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1985 Mercury Grand Marquis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 AC Cobra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 AC Cobra | 1985 Mercury Grand Marquis | |
| Make | AC | Mercury |
| Model | Cobra | Grand Marquis |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1985 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4265 cc | 4940 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 256 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 366 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 1750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3850 mm | 5400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1980 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2920 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 90 L |
