1988 Mercury Grand Marquis vs. 2012 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Mercury Grand Marquis. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Mercury Grand Marquis would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1988 Mercury Grand Marquis is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Golf (170 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 1988 Mercury Grand Marquis. (148 HP @ 3200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1988 Mercury Grand Marquis. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Mercury Grand Marquis weights approximately 406 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Golf.
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, 2012 Volkswagen Golf, 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 126 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1988 Mercury Grand Marquis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Mercury Grand Marquis | 2012 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Mercury | Volkswagen |
| Model | Grand Marquis | Golf |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 366 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1752 kg | 1346 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5400 mm | 4199 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2920 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 55 L |
