2003 Ford Freestar vs. 1986 Mercury Grand Marquis
To start off, 2003 Ford Freestar 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, 2003 Ford Freestar (190 HP @ 4750 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 1986 Mercury Grand Marquis. (148 HP @ 3200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Ford Freestar should accelerate faster than 1986 Mercury Grand Marquis. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Ford Freestar weights approximately 190 kg more than 1986 Mercury Grand Marquis. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1986 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 1986 Mercury Grand Marquis. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Ford Freestar, 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, 1986 Mercury Grand Marquis (367 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Ford Freestar. (336 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 1986 Mercury Grand Marquis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Ford Freestar.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ford Freestar | 1986 Mercury Grand Marquis | |
| Make | Ford | Mercury |
| Model | Freestar | Grand Marquis |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1986 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3801 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Torque | 336 Nm | 367 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1940 kg | 1750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5110 mm | 5400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1980 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1750 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3070 mm | 2920 mm |
