1987 Mercury Grand Marquis vs. 1983 Ford Tempo
To start off, 1987 Mercury Grand Marquis is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Ford Tempo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Ford Tempo would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1987 Mercury Grand Marquis is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Mercury Grand Marquis (148 HP @ 3200 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 1983 Ford Tempo. (89 HP @ 4700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 Mercury Grand Marquis should accelerate faster than 1983 Ford Tempo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Mercury Grand Marquis weights approximately 640 kg more than 1983 Ford Tempo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1987 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 1987 Mercury Grand Marquis. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1983 Ford Tempo, 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, 1987 Mercury Grand Marquis (366 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 196 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Ford Tempo. (170 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1987 Mercury Grand Marquis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Ford Tempo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Mercury Grand Marquis | 1983 Ford Tempo | |
| Make | Mercury | Ford |
| Model | Grand Marquis | Tempo |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1983 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 2307 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Torque | 366 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1750 kg | 1110 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5400 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2920 mm | 2540 mm |
