1998 Mercury Grand Marquis vs. 2012 Nissan Sentra
To start off, 2012 Nissan Sentra 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, 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis (208 HP @ 4250 RPM) has 68 more horse power than 2012 Nissan Sentra. (140 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis should accelerate faster than 2012 Nissan Sentra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis weights approximately 476 kg more than 2012 Nissan Sentra. 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, 2012 Nissan Sentra, 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 161 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Nissan Sentra. (199 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Nissan Sentra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis | 2012 Nissan Sentra | |
| Make | Mercury | Nissan |
| Model | Grand Marquis | Sentra |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4604 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 360 Nm | 199 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | CVT |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1832 kg | 1356 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5390 mm | 4567 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1791 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1511 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2685 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 55 L |
