1985 Ford Escort vs. 2002 Mercury Grand Marquis
To start off, 2002 Mercury Grand Marquis is newer by 17 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 4,604 cc (8 cylinders), 2002 Mercury Grand Marquis is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mercury Grand Marquis (208 HP @ 4250 RPM) has 76 more horse power than 1985 Ford Escort. (132 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercury Grand Marquis should accelerate faster than 1985 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercury Grand Marquis weights approximately 752 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 2002 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 2002 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, 2002 Mercury Grand Marquis (359 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 179 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Ford Escort. (180 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 2002 Mercury Grand Marquis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Ford Escort. 2002 Mercury Grand Marquis has automatic transmission and 1985 Ford Escort has manual transmission. 1985 Ford Escort will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Mercury Grand Marquis will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Ford Escort | 2002 Mercury Grand Marquis | |
| Make | Ford | Mercury |
| Model | Escort | Grand Marquis |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1597 cc | 4604 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 132 HP | 208 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 359 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1080 kg | 1832 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4070 mm | 5390 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 2000 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2760 mm |
