1989 Lotus Elan vs. 1986 Mercury Grand Marquis
To start off, 1989 Lotus Elan is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Mercury Grand Marquis. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Mercury Grand Marquis would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1986 Mercury Grand Marquis is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Lotus Elan (165 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1986 Mercury Grand Marquis. (148 HP @ 3200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1986 Mercury Grand Marquis. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Mercury Grand Marquis weights approximately 730 kg more than 1989 Lotus Elan.
Because 1986 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 1986 Mercury Grand Marquis. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Lotus Elan, 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, 1986 Mercury Grand Marquis (367 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 166 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Lotus Elan. (201 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1986 Mercury Grand Marquis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
1989 Lotus Elan | 1986 Mercury Grand Marquis | |
Make | Lotus | Mercury |
Model | Elan | Grand Marquis |
Year Released | 1989 | 1986 |
Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1588 cc | 4942 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Horse Power | 165 HP | 148 HP |
Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 3200 RPM |
Torque | 201 Nm | 367 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 2000 RPM |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 1750 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 5400 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1980 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1390 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2920 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 90 L |