1961 Bristol 406 vs. 2006 Mercury Grand Marquis
To start off, 2006 Mercury Grand Marquis is newer by 45 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Bristol 406. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Bristol 406 would be higher. At 4,605 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 Mercury Grand Marquis is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercury Grand Marquis (224 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 132 more horse power than 1961 Bristol 406. (92 HP @ 4700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercury Grand Marquis should accelerate faster than 1961 Bristol 406. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercury Grand Marquis weights approximately 665 kg more than 1961 Bristol 406. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2006 Mercury Grand Marquis (369 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 195 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Bristol 406. (174 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2006 Mercury Grand Marquis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Bristol 406. 2006 Mercury Grand Marquis has automatic transmission and 1961 Bristol 406 has manual transmission. 1961 Bristol 406 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Mercury Grand Marquis will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Bristol 406 | 2006 Mercury Grand Marquis | |
| Make | Bristol | Mercury |
| Model | 406 | Grand Marquis |
| Year Released | 1961 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2216 cc | 4605 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 92 HP | 224 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4700 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 369 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 68.7 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99.6 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1260 kg | 1925 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4980 mm | 5390 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 2000 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2920 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 81 L | 72 L |
