1998 Mercury Grand Marquis vs. 1996 Volkswagen Golf
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 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Volkswagen Golf 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 108 more horse power than 1996 Volkswagen Golf. (115 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis should accelerate faster than 1996 Volkswagen Golf.
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 Volkswagen Golf, 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) has 207 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Volkswagen Golf. (165 Nm). This means 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Volkswagen Golf. 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis has automatic transmission and 1996 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 1996 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis | 1996 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Mercury | Volkswagen |
| Model | Grand Marquis | Golf |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4603 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 223 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 372 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 90.2 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 92.7 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 5390 mm | 4080 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2000 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2920 mm | 2480 mm |
