1988 Mercury Grand Marquis vs. 1972 NSU Ro 80
To start off, 1988 Mercury Grand Marquis is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 NSU Ro 80. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 NSU Ro 80 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 34 more horse power than 1972 NSU Ro 80. (114 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Mercury Grand Marquis should accelerate faster than 1972 NSU Ro 80. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Mercury Grand Marquis weights approximately 542 kg more than 1972 NSU Ro 80. 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, 1972 NSU Ro 80, 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 204 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 NSU Ro 80. (162 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1988 Mercury Grand Marquis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 NSU Ro 80.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Mercury Grand Marquis | 1972 NSU Ro 80 | |
| Make | Mercury | NSU |
| Model | Grand Marquis | Ro 80 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1972 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 2390 cc |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 366 Nm | 162 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1752 kg | 1210 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5400 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2920 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 37 L |
