1981 Mercury Grand Marquis vs. 1988 Rover Vitesse
To start off, 1988 Rover Vitesse is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Mercury Grand Marquis. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Mercury Grand Marquis would be higher. At 4,186 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Mercury Grand Marquis is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Rover Vitesse (178 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 1981 Mercury Grand Marquis. (118 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Rover Vitesse should accelerate faster than 1981 Mercury Grand Marquis. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Mercury Grand Marquis weights approximately 253 kg more than 1988 Rover Vitesse.
Because 1981 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 1981 Mercury Grand Marquis. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Rover Vitesse, 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, 1981 Mercury Grand Marquis (262 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 33 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Rover Vitesse. (229 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1981 Mercury Grand Marquis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Rover Vitesse.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Mercury Grand Marquis | 1988 Rover Vitesse | |
| Make | Mercury | Rover |
| Model | Grand Marquis | Vitesse |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4186 cc | 2675 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 178 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 262 Nm | 229 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1680 kg | 1427 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5400 mm | 4700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2760 mm |
