1981 Mercury Grand Marquis vs. 1995 Pontiac Sunfire
To start off, 1995 Pontiac Sunfire is newer by 14 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, 1995 Pontiac Sunfire (148 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1981 Mercury Grand Marquis. (118 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1995 Pontiac Sunfire should accelerate faster than 1981 Mercury Grand Marquis. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 Pontiac Sunfire weights approximately 1 kg more than 1981 Mercury Grand Marquis. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1995 Pontiac Sunfire, 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) has 86 more torque (in Nm) than 1995 Pontiac Sunfire. (176 Nm). This means 1981 Mercury Grand Marquis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1995 Pontiac Sunfire.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Mercury Grand Marquis | 1995 Pontiac Sunfire | |
| Make | Mercury | Pontiac |
| Model | Grand Marquis | Sunfire |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1995 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4186 cc | 2392 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 262 Nm | 176 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1680 kg | 1681 kg |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2650 mm |
