1983 Mercury Grand Marquis vs. 1996 Oldsmobile SS
To start off, 1996 Oldsmobile SS is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Mercury Grand Marquis. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Mercury Grand Marquis would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1983 Mercury Grand Marquis is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Oldsmobile SS (238 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 109 more horse power than 1983 Mercury Grand Marquis. (129 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Oldsmobile SS should accelerate faster than 1983 Mercury Grand Marquis.
Because 1983 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 1983 Mercury Grand Marquis. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Oldsmobile SS, 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, 1996 Oldsmobile SS (380 Nm) has 78 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Mercury Grand Marquis. (302 Nm). This means 1996 Oldsmobile SS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Mercury Grand Marquis.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Mercury Grand Marquis | 1996 Oldsmobile SS | |
| Make | Mercury | Oldsmobile |
| Model | Grand Marquis | SS |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 3791 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 238 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 302 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 5400 mm | 5130 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2820 mm |
