1992 Lotus Elan vs. 1980 Mercury Grand Marquis
To start off, 1992 Lotus Elan is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Mercury Grand Marquis. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Mercury Grand Marquis would be higher. At 4,184 cc (8 cylinders), 1980 Mercury Grand Marquis is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1992 Lotus Elan (163 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1980 Mercury Grand Marquis. (118 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1992 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1980 Mercury Grand Marquis. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Mercury Grand Marquis weights approximately 660 kg more than 1992 Lotus Elan.
Because 1980 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 1980 Mercury Grand Marquis. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1992 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, 1980 Mercury Grand Marquis (262 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 58 more torque (in Nm) than 1992 Lotus Elan. (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1980 Mercury Grand Marquis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1992 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1992 Lotus Elan | 1980 Mercury Grand Marquis | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercury |
| Model | Elan | Grand Marquis |
| Year Released | 1992 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1587 cc | 4184 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 204 Nm | 262 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 1680 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 5400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1980 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2910 mm |
