1985 Ford Escort vs. 1988 Mercury Grand Marquis
To start off, 1988 Mercury Grand Marquis is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Ford Escort would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1988 Mercury Grand Marquis is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Mercury Grand Marquis (148 HP @ 3200 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 1985 Ford Escort. (132 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Mercury Grand Marquis should accelerate faster than 1985 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Mercury Grand Marquis weights approximately 672 kg more than 1985 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 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 1988 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, 1988 Mercury Grand Marquis (366 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 186 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Ford Escort. (180 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 1988 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 | 1988 Mercury Grand Marquis | |
| Make | Ford | Mercury |
| Model | Escort | Grand Marquis |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1597 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 132 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 366 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1080 kg | 1752 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4070 mm | 5400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1980 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2920 mm |
