1981 Ford Fiesta vs. 1985 Mercury Grand Marquis
To start off, 1985 Mercury Grand Marquis is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ford Fiesta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ford Fiesta would be higher. At 4,940 cc (8 cylinders), 1985 Mercury Grand Marquis is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Mercury Grand Marquis (148 HP @ 3200 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 1981 Ford Fiesta. (83 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Mercury Grand Marquis should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Mercury Grand Marquis weights approximately 950 kg more than 1981 Ford Fiesta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1985 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 1985 Mercury Grand Marquis. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Ford Fiesta, 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, 1985 Mercury Grand Marquis (366 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 237 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Fiesta. (129 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1985 Mercury Grand Marquis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Fiesta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Fiesta | 1985 Mercury Grand Marquis | |
| Make | Ford | Mercury |
| Model | Fiesta | Grand Marquis |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1985 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1608 cc | 4940 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 83 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Torque | 129 Nm | 366 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 800 kg | 1750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3570 mm | 5400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1980 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2920 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 90 L |
