1985 Ford Orion vs. 1979 Mercury Grand Marquis
To start off, 1985 Ford Orion is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Mercury Grand Marquis. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Mercury Grand Marquis would be higher. At 4,186 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Mercury Grand Marquis is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Mercury Grand Marquis (118 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1985 Ford Orion. (68 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Mercury Grand Marquis should accelerate faster than 1985 Ford Orion. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mercury Grand Marquis weights approximately 785 kg more than 1985 Ford Orion. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 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 1979 Mercury Grand Marquis. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1985 Ford Orion, 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, 1979 Mercury Grand Marquis (262 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 161 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Ford Orion. (101 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1979 Mercury Grand Marquis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Ford Orion.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Ford Orion | 1979 Mercury Grand Marquis | |
| Make | Ford | Mercury |
| Model | Orion | Grand Marquis |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 4186 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 68 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 101 Nm | 262 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 895 kg | 1680 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 5400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1980 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2910 mm |
