1998 Honda Prelude vs. 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis
To start off, 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Honda Prelude. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Honda Prelude would be higher. At 4,605 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis (224 HP) has 93 more horse power than 1998 Honda Prelude. (131 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis should accelerate faster than 1998 Honda Prelude. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis weights approximately 592 kg more than 1998 Honda Prelude. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2004 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 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Honda Prelude, 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, 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis (373 Nm) has 195 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Honda Prelude. (178 Nm). This means 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Honda Prelude. 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis has automatic transmission and 1998 Honda Prelude has manual transmission. 1998 Honda Prelude will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Honda Prelude | 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis | |
| Make | Honda | Mercury |
| Model | Prelude | Grand Marquis |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1996 cc | 4605 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 131 HP | 224 HP |
| Torque | 178 Nm | 373 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 6 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1240 kg | 1832 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 5390 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1990 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2900 mm |
