1998 Ford Focus vs. 1981 Mercury Grand Marquis
To start off, 1998 Ford Focus is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Mercury Grand Marquis. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Mercury Grand Marquis would be higher. At 4,186 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Mercury Grand Marquis is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Ford Focus (134 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 1981 Mercury Grand Marquis. (118 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Ford Focus should accelerate faster than 1981 Mercury Grand Marquis. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Mercury Grand Marquis weights approximately 436 kg more than 1998 Ford Focus.
Because 1981 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 1981 Mercury Grand Marquis. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Ford Focus, 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, 1981 Mercury Grand Marquis (262 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 92 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Ford Focus. (170 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1981 Mercury Grand Marquis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Ford Focus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ford Focus | 1981 Mercury Grand Marquis | |
| Make | Ford | Mercury |
| Model | Focus | Grand Marquis |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1797 cc | 4186 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 262 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1244 kg | 1680 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 5400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1980 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2910 mm |
