1980 Mercury Grand Marquis vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Mercury Grand Marquis. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Mercury Grand Marquis would be higher. At 4,184 cc (8 cylinders), 1980 Mercury Grand Marquis is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK (190 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 72 more horse power than 1980 Mercury Grand Marquis. (118 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1980 Mercury Grand Marquis. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Mercury Grand Marquis weights approximately 355 kg more than 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK.
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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK (280 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Mercury Grand Marquis. (262 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Mercury Grand Marquis.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Mercury Grand Marquis | 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Mercury | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Grand Marquis | SLK |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4184 cc | 2295 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 262 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1680 kg | 1325 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5400 mm | 4020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2410 mm |
