1987 Mercury Grand Marquis vs. 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Mercury Grand Marquis. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Mercury Grand Marquis would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1987 Mercury Grand Marquis is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle (180 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1987 Mercury Grand Marquis. (148 HP @ 3200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle should accelerate faster than 1987 Mercury Grand Marquis. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Mercury Grand Marquis weights approximately 387 kg more than 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle.
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, 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle, 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) has 131 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle. (235 Nm). This means 1987 Mercury Grand Marquis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Mercury Grand Marquis | 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Mercury | Volkswagen |
| Model | Grand Marquis | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1987 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 1786 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 180 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 366 Nm | 235 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1750 kg | 1363 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5400 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2920 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 55 L |
