1980 Mercury Grand Marquis vs. 2009 Mercury Mariner
To start off, 2009 Mercury Mariner is newer by 29 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, 2009 Mercury Mariner (172 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 1980 Mercury Grand Marquis. (118 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercury Mariner should accelerate faster than 1980 Mercury Grand Marquis. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercury Mariner weights approximately 245 kg more than 1980 Mercury Grand Marquis. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1980 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 1980 Mercury Grand Marquis. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Mercury Mariner, 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, 1980 Mercury Grand Marquis (262 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mercury Mariner. (232 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1980 Mercury Grand Marquis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mercury Mariner.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Mercury Grand Marquis | 2009 Mercury Mariner | |
| Make | Mercury | Mercury |
| Model | Grand Marquis | Mariner |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4184 cc | 2488 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 172 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 262 Nm | 232 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1680 kg | 1925 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5400 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1780 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2630 mm |
