1979 Audi 100 vs. 2011 Mercury Grand Marquis
To start off, 2011 Mercury Grand Marquis is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Audi 100. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Audi 100 would be higher. At 4,600 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 Mercury Grand Marquis is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercury Grand Marquis (224 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 139 more horse power than 1979 Audi 100. (85 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercury Grand Marquis should accelerate faster than 1979 Audi 100. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercury Grand Marquis weights approximately 757 kg more than 1979 Audi 100. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2011 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 2011 Mercury Grand Marquis. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1979 Audi 100, 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, 2011 Mercury Grand Marquis (372 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 248 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Audi 100. (124 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2011 Mercury Grand Marquis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Audi 100. 2011 Mercury Grand Marquis has automatic transmission and 1979 Audi 100 has manual transmission. 1979 Audi 100 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Mercury Grand Marquis will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Audi 100 | 2011 Mercury Grand Marquis | |
| Make | Audi | Mercury |
| Model | 100 | Grand Marquis |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 4600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 224 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 372 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Flex Fuel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1110 kg | 1867 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4600 mm | 5385 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1989 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2911 mm |
