1998 Mercury Grand Marquis vs. 2012 Lexus ES
To start off, 2012 Lexus ES is newer by 14 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, 2012 Lexus ES (268 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis. (208 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Lexus ES should accelerate faster than 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis weights approximately 197 kg more than 2012 Lexus ES.
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, 2012 Lexus ES, 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 24 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Lexus ES. (336 Nm @ 4700 RPM). This means 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Lexus ES.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis | 2012 Lexus ES | |
| Make | Mercury | Lexus |
| Model | Grand Marquis | ES |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4604 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 268 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 360 Nm | 336 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1832 kg | 1635 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5390 mm | 4854 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1821 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2776 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 70 L |
