1980 Ford Escort vs. 1981 Mercury Grand Marquis
To start off, 1981 Mercury Grand Marquis is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Ford Escort 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) has 69 more horse power than 1980 Ford Escort. (49 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Mercury Grand Marquis should accelerate faster than 1980 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Mercury Grand Marquis weights approximately 820 kg more than 1980 Ford Escort. 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, 1980 Ford Escort, 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 178 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Ford Escort. (84 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1981 Mercury Grand Marquis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Ford Escort | 1981 Mercury Grand Marquis | |
| Make | Ford | Mercury |
| Model | Escort | Grand Marquis |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1116 cc | 4186 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 118 HP |
| Torque | 84 Nm | 262 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 860 kg | 1680 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4040 mm | 5400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1980 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2910 mm |
