1972 Honda Civic vs. 1981 Mercury Grand Marquis
To start off, 1981 Mercury Grand Marquis is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Honda Civic would be higher. At 4,186 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Mercury Grand Marquis is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Mercury Grand Marquis (118 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 1972 Honda Civic. (53 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Mercury Grand Marquis should accelerate faster than 1972 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Mercury Grand Marquis weights approximately 1002 kg more than 1972 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 Mercury Grand Marquis is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1981 Mercury Grand Marquis. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1972 Honda Civic, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1981 Mercury Grand Marquis (262 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 183 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Honda Civic. (79 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1981 Mercury Grand Marquis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Honda Civic | 1981 Mercury Grand Marquis | |
| Make | Honda | Mercury |
| Model | Civic | Grand Marquis |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1169 cc | 4186 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 79 Nm | 262 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 678 kg | 1680 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3570 mm | 5400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1980 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2910 mm |
