1982 Mercury Grand Marquis vs. 2012 Mazda 3
To start off, 2012 Mazda 3 is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Mercury Grand Marquis. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Mercury Grand Marquis would be higher. At 4,186 cc (8 cylinders), 1982 Mercury Grand Marquis is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mazda 3 (167 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 1982 Mercury Grand Marquis. (118 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 1982 Mercury Grand Marquis. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Mercury Grand Marquis weights approximately 297 kg more than 2012 Mazda 3.
Because 1982 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 1982 Mercury Grand Marquis. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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, 1982 Mercury Grand Marquis (262 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mazda 3. (228 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1982 Mercury Grand Marquis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1982 Mercury Grand Marquis | 2012 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Mercury | Mazda |
| Model | Grand Marquis | 3 |
| Year Released | 1982 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4186 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 262 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1680 kg | 1383 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5400 mm | 4506 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1755 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2639 mm |
