1996 Ford Contour vs. 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis
To start off, 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Ford Contour. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Ford Contour would be higher. At 4,603 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis (223 HP @ 4500 RPM) has 94 more horse power than 1996 Ford Contour. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis should accelerate faster than 1996 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis weights approximately 490 kg more than 1996 Ford Contour. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 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 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Ford Contour, 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, 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis (372 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 192 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Ford Contour. (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
1996 Ford Contour | 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis | |
Make | Ford | Mercury |
Model | Contour | Grand Marquis |
Year Released | 1996 | 1998 |
Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1989 cc | 4603 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Horse Power | 129 HP | 223 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
Torque | 180 Nm | 372 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 84.8 mm | 90.2 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 90 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1242 kg | 1732 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 5390 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 2000 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1450 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2920 mm |