1981 Austin Allegro vs. 2006 Mercury Grand Marquis
To start off, 2006 Mercury Grand Marquis is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Austin Allegro. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Austin Allegro would be higher. At 4,604 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 Mercury Grand Marquis is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercury Grand Marquis (224 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 180 more horse power than 1981 Austin Allegro. (44 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercury Grand Marquis should accelerate faster than 1981 Austin Allegro. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercury Grand Marquis weights approximately 1275 kg more than 1981 Austin Allegro. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 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 2006 Mercury Grand Marquis. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Austin Allegro, 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, 2006 Mercury Grand Marquis (373 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 303 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Austin Allegro. (70 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2006 Mercury Grand Marquis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Austin Allegro.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Austin Allegro | 2006 Mercury Grand Marquis | |
| Make | Austin | Mercury |
| Model | Allegro | Grand Marquis |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 998 cc | 4604 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 44 HP | 224 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 70 Nm | 373 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 6 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 800 kg | 2075 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3200 mm | 5390 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1990 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2920 mm |
