1982 Ford Escort vs. 1986 Mercury Grand Marquis
To start off, 1986 Mercury Grand Marquis is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Ford Escort would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1986 Mercury Grand Marquis is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Mercury Grand Marquis (148 HP @ 3200 RPM) has 78 more horse power than 1982 Ford Escort. (70 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Mercury Grand Marquis should accelerate faster than 1982 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Mercury Grand Marquis weights approximately 800 kg more than 1982 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1986 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 1986 Mercury Grand Marquis. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1982 Ford Escort, 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, 1986 Mercury Grand Marquis (367 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 246 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Ford Escort. (121 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1986 Mercury Grand Marquis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1982 Ford Escort | 1986 Mercury Grand Marquis | |
| Make | Ford | Mercury |
| Model | Escort | Grand Marquis |
| Year Released | 1982 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Torque | 121 Nm | 367 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 950 kg | 1750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4170 mm | 5400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1980 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2920 mm |
