1991 Lotus Elan vs. 2006 Mercury Grand Marquis
To start off, 2006 Mercury Grand Marquis is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1991 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1991 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 4,605 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 Mercury Grand Marquis is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercury Grand Marquis (225 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 1991 Lotus Elan. (163 HP @ 6600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercury Grand Marquis should accelerate faster than 1991 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercury Grand Marquis weights approximately 837 kg more than 1991 Lotus Elan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 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 2006 Mercury Grand Marquis. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1991 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, 2006 Mercury Grand Marquis (373 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 169 more torque (in Nm) than 1991 Lotus Elan. (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2006 Mercury Grand Marquis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1991 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1991 Lotus Elan | 2006 Mercury Grand Marquis | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercury |
| Model | Elan | Grand Marquis |
| Year Released | 1991 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 4605 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 225 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 204 Nm | 373 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 6 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 1857 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 5390 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1990 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2920 mm |
