1994 Lotus Elan vs. 1999 Mercury Grand Marquis
To start off, 1999 Mercury Grand Marquis is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1994 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1994 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 4,604 cc (8 cylinders), 1999 Mercury Grand Marquis is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Mercury Grand Marquis (208 HP @ 4250 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1994 Lotus Elan. (163 HP @ 6600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Mercury Grand Marquis should accelerate faster than 1994 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Mercury Grand Marquis weights approximately 812 kg more than 1994 Lotus Elan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1999 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 1999 Mercury Grand Marquis. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1994 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, 1999 Mercury Grand Marquis (359 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 155 more torque (in Nm) than 1994 Lotus Elan. (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1999 Mercury Grand Marquis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1994 Lotus Elan. 1999 Mercury Grand Marquis has automatic transmission and 1994 Lotus Elan has manual transmission. 1994 Lotus Elan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1999 Mercury Grand Marquis will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1994 Lotus Elan | 1999 Mercury Grand Marquis | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercury |
| Model | Elan | Grand Marquis |
| Year Released | 1994 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 4604 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 208 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Torque | 204 Nm | 359 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 1832 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 5390 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 2000 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2760 mm |
