1981 Mercury Grand Marquis vs. 2011 Mazda 3
To start off, 2011 Mazda 3 is newer by 30 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, 1981 Mercury Grand Marquis (118 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 2011 Mazda 3. (104 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Mercury Grand Marquis should accelerate faster than 2011 Mazda 3.
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, 2011 Mazda 3, 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 117 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Mazda 3. (145 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1981 Mercury Grand Marquis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Mercury Grand Marquis | 2011 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Mercury | Mazda |
| Model | Grand Marquis | 3 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4186 cc | 1560 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 262 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 5400 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1755 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2639 mm |
