1988 Mercury Grand Marquis vs. 1966 Wartburg 311
To start off, 1988 Mercury Grand Marquis is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Wartburg 311. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Wartburg 311 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 98 more horse power than 1966 Wartburg 311. (50 HP @ 4250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Mercury Grand Marquis should accelerate faster than 1966 Wartburg 311. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Mercury Grand Marquis weights approximately 782 kg more than 1966 Wartburg 311. 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, 1966 Wartburg 311, 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 268 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Wartburg 311. (98 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1988 Mercury Grand Marquis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Wartburg 311.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Mercury Grand Marquis | 1966 Wartburg 311 | |
| Make | Mercury | Wartburg |
| Model | Grand Marquis | 311 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1966 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 992 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 50 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Torque | 366 Nm | 98 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1752 kg | 970 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5400 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2920 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 43 L |
