1980 Honda Ballade vs. 2002 Mercury Grand Marquis
To start off, 2002 Mercury Grand Marquis is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Honda Ballade. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Honda Ballade would be higher. At 4,604 cc (8 cylinders), 2002 Mercury Grand Marquis is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mercury Grand Marquis (208 HP) has 134 more horse power than 1980 Honda Ballade. (74 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercury Grand Marquis should accelerate faster than 1980 Honda Ballade. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercury Grand Marquis weights approximately 1017 kg more than 1980 Honda Ballade. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2002 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 2002 Mercury Grand Marquis. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 Honda Ballade, 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, 2002 Mercury Grand Marquis (359 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 239 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Honda Ballade. (120 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2002 Mercury Grand Marquis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Honda Ballade. 2002 Mercury Grand Marquis has automatic transmission and 1980 Honda Ballade has manual transmission. 1980 Honda Ballade will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Mercury Grand Marquis will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Honda Ballade | 2002 Mercury Grand Marquis | |
| Make | Honda | Mercury |
| Model | Ballade | Grand Marquis |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1488 cc | 4604 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 208 HP |
| Torque | 120 Nm | 359 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 815 kg | 1832 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4150 mm | 5390 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 2000 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2330 mm | 2760 mm |
