2003 Mercury Grand Marquis vs. 1988 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight
To start off, 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight would be higher. At 4,604 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis (208 HP @ 4250 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1988 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight. (163 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis should accelerate faster than 1988 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis weights approximately 322 kg more than 1988 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 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 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight, 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, 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis (359 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight. (285 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis | 1988 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight | |
| Make | Mercury | Oldsmobile |
| Model | Grand Marquis | Ninety-Eight |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4604 cc | 3791 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 359 Nm | 285 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1832 kg | 1510 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5390 mm | 5010 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2830 mm |
