1985 Ford Escort vs. 1980 Mercury Grand Marquis
To start off, 1985 Ford Escort is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Mercury Grand Marquis. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Mercury Grand Marquis would be higher. At 4,184 cc (8 cylinders), 1980 Mercury Grand Marquis is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Ford Escort (132 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1980 Mercury Grand Marquis. (118 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 Ford Escort should accelerate faster than 1980 Mercury Grand Marquis. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Mercury Grand Marquis weights approximately 600 kg more than 1985 Ford Escort.
Because 1980 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 1980 Mercury Grand Marquis. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1985 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, 1980 Mercury Grand Marquis (262 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 82 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Ford Escort. (180 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 1980 Mercury Grand Marquis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Ford Escort | 1980 Mercury Grand Marquis | |
| Make | Ford | Mercury |
| Model | Escort | Grand Marquis |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1597 cc | 4184 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 132 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 262 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1080 kg | 1680 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4070 mm | 5400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1980 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2910 mm |
