2000 Mercury Grand Marquis vs. 2003 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2003 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2000 Mercury Grand Marquis. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2000 Mercury Grand Marquis would be higher. At 4,604 cc (8 cylinders), 2000 Mercury Grand Marquis is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Mercury Grand Marquis (208 HP @ 4250 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 2003 Volkswagen Passat. (160 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 Mercury Grand Marquis should accelerate faster than 2003 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Mercury Grand Marquis weights approximately 260 kg more than 2003 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2000 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 2000 Mercury Grand Marquis. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Volkswagen Passat, 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, 2000 Mercury Grand Marquis (359 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 33 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Volkswagen Passat. (326 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 2000 Mercury Grand Marquis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Mercury Grand Marquis | 2003 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Mercury | Volkswagen |
| Model | Grand Marquis | Passat |
| Year Released | 2000 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4604 cc | 2495 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 359 Nm | 326 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1832 kg | 1572 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5390 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.2 L/100km | 8.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 62 L |
