1980 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 2011 Mercury Grand Marquis
To start off, 2011 Mercury Grand Marquis is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Mercedes-Benz S 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 6 more horse power than 1980 Mercedes-Benz S. (218 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercury Grand Marquis should accelerate faster than 1980 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercury Grand Marquis weights approximately 272 kg more than 1980 Mercedes-Benz S. 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, 2011 Mercury Grand Marquis (372 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 66 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Mercedes-Benz S. (306 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2011 Mercury Grand Marquis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Mercedes-Benz S | 2011 Mercury Grand Marquis | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercury |
| Model | S | Grand Marquis |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3818 cc | 4600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 218 HP | 224 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 306 Nm | 372 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Flex Fuel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1595 kg | 1867 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 5385 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1989 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2911 mm |
