1988 Mercury Grand Marquis vs. 2012 Volkswagen Phaeton
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Phaeton 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 Phaeton (237 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 89 more horse power than 1988 Mercury Grand Marquis. (148 HP @ 3200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Phaeton should accelerate faster than 1988 Mercury Grand Marquis. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Phaeton weights approximately 563 kg more than 1988 Mercury Grand Marquis. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Volkswagen Phaeton is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1988 Mercury Grand Marquis. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Phaeton will offer significantly more control. 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, 2012 Volkswagen Phaeton (500 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 134 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Mercury Grand Marquis. (366 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Phaeton will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Mercury Grand Marquis.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Mercury Grand Marquis | 2012 Volkswagen Phaeton | |
| Make | Mercury | Volkswagen |
| Model | Grand Marquis | Phaeton |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 237 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 366 Nm | 500 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1752 kg | 2315 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5400 mm | 5179 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1903 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1901 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2920 mm | 3001 mm |
