1998 Mercury Grand Marquis vs. 2005 Kia Rio
To start off, 2005 Kia Rio is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis would be higher. At 4,604 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis (208 HP @ 4250 RPM) has 112 more horse power than 2005 Kia Rio. (96 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis should accelerate faster than 2005 Kia Rio. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis weights approximately 674 kg more than 2005 Kia Rio. 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, 2005 Kia Rio, 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 (360 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 228 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Kia Rio. (132 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Kia Rio.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis | 2005 Kia Rio | |
| Make | Mercury | Kia |
| Model | Grand Marquis | Rio |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4604 cc | 1493 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 96 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 360 Nm | 132 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1832 kg | 1158 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5390 mm | 4250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2420 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.2 L/100km | 7.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 45 L |
