2003 Dodge Dakota vs. 1986 Mercury Grand Marquis
To start off, 2003 Dodge Dakota is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Mercury Grand Marquis. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Mercury Grand Marquis would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1986 Mercury Grand Marquis is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Mercury Grand Marquis (148 HP @ 3200 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 2003 Dodge Dakota. (118 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Mercury Grand Marquis should accelerate faster than 2003 Dodge Dakota. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Mercury Grand Marquis weights approximately 214 kg more than 2003 Dodge Dakota. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 Dodge Dakota is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1986 Mercury Grand Marquis. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Dodge Dakota will offer significantly more control. 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, 1986 Mercury Grand Marquis (367 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 171 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Dodge Dakota. (196 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 1986 Mercury Grand Marquis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Dodge Dakota.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Dodge Dakota | 1986 Mercury Grand Marquis | |
| Make | Dodge | Mercury |
| Model | Dakota | Grand Marquis |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1986 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2458 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Torque | 196 Nm | 367 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 3 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1536 kg | 1750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4980 mm | 5400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1980 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1670 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2920 mm |
