1983 Mercury Grand Marquis vs. 2003 MG ZR
To start off, 2003 MG ZR is newer by 20 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, 2003 MG ZR (158 HP @ 6900 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 1983 Mercury Grand Marquis. (129 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 MG ZR should accelerate faster than 1983 Mercury Grand Marquis. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Mercury Grand Marquis weights approximately 570 kg more than 2003 MG ZR.
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, 2003 MG ZR, 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, 1983 Mercury Grand Marquis (302 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 128 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 MG ZR. (174 Nm @ 4700 RPM). This means 1983 Mercury Grand Marquis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 MG ZR.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Mercury Grand Marquis | 2003 MG ZR | |
| Make | Mercury | MG |
| Model | Grand Marquis | ZR |
| Year Released | 1983 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 1794 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 6900 RPM |
| Torque | 302 Nm | 174 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5400 mm | 4020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2510 mm |
