1981 Honda Accord vs. 2005 Mercury Grand Marquis
To start off, 2005 Mercury Grand Marquis is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Honda Accord. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Honda Accord would be higher. At 4,604 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 Mercury Grand Marquis is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercury Grand Marquis (208 HP @ 4250 RPM) has 129 more horse power than 1981 Honda Accord. (79 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercury Grand Marquis should accelerate faster than 1981 Honda Accord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercury Grand Marquis weights approximately 872 kg more than 1981 Honda Accord. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 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 2005 Mercury Grand Marquis. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Honda Accord, 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, 2005 Mercury Grand Marquis (359 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 232 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Honda Accord. (127 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2005 Mercury Grand Marquis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Honda Accord.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Honda Accord | 2005 Mercury Grand Marquis | |
| Make | Honda | Mercury |
| Model | Accord | Grand Marquis |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1602 cc | 4604 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 208 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Torque | 127 Nm | 359 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 960 kg | 1832 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4260 mm | 5390 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 2000 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2760 mm |
