1981 GMC Suburban vs. 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis
To start off, 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 GMC Suburban. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 GMC Suburban would be higher. At 6,210 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 GMC Suburban is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis (208 HP @ 4250 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 1981 GMC Suburban. (129 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis should accelerate faster than 1981 GMC Suburban. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 GMC Suburban weights approximately 563 kg more than 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis.
Because 1981 GMC Suburban is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 GMC Suburban will offer significantly more control. 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, 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis (359 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 33 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 GMC Suburban. (326 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 GMC Suburban.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 GMC Suburban | 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis | |
| Make | GMC | Mercury |
| Model | Suburban | Grand Marquis |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2003 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6210 cc | 4604 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 208 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Torque | 326 Nm | 359 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 2395 kg | 1832 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 5390 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1990 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1800 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3300 mm | 2760 mm |
