1998 Mercury Grand Marquis vs. 2012 Toyota Highlander
To start off, 2012 Toyota Highlander 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 4,603 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Toyota Highlander (270 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis. (223 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Toyota Highlander should accelerate faster than 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Toyota Highlander weights approximately 198 kg more than 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis. 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 Toyota Highlander, 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 @ 3000 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Toyota Highlander. (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 Toyota Highlander.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis | 2012 Toyota Highlander | |
| Make | Mercury | Toyota |
| Model | Grand Marquis | Highlander |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4603 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 223 HP | 270 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 372 Nm | 336 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 5-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1732 kg | 1930 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5390 mm | 4785 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2000 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2920 mm | 2789 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 73 L |
