1983 Ford Orion vs. 2008 Mercury Grand Marquis
To start off, 2008 Mercury Grand Marquis is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Ford Orion. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Ford Orion would be higher. At 4,606 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Mercury Grand Marquis is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercury Grand Marquis (225 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 156 more horse power than 1983 Ford Orion. (69 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercury Grand Marquis should accelerate faster than 1983 Ford Orion. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercury Grand Marquis weights approximately 957 kg more than 1983 Ford Orion. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 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 2008 Mercury Grand Marquis. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1983 Ford Orion, 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, 2008 Mercury Grand Marquis (373 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 273 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Ford Orion. (100 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2008 Mercury Grand Marquis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Ford Orion. 2008 Mercury Grand Marquis has automatic transmission and 1983 Ford Orion has manual transmission. 1983 Ford Orion will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Mercury Grand Marquis will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Ford Orion | 2008 Mercury Grand Marquis | |
| Make | Ford | Mercury |
| Model | Orion | Grand Marquis |
| Year Released | 1983 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 4606 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 69 HP | 225 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 100 Nm | 373 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 6 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 875 kg | 1832 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 5370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 2000 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2920 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 72 L |
