2004 Audi A4 vs. 1981 Mercury Grand Marquis
To start off, 2004 Audi A4 is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Mercury Grand Marquis. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Mercury Grand Marquis would be higher. At 4,186 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Mercury Grand Marquis is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Mercury Grand Marquis (118 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 2004 Audi A4. (101 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Mercury Grand Marquis should accelerate faster than 2004 Audi A4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Mercury Grand Marquis weights approximately 330 kg more than 2004 Audi A4. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 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 1981 Mercury Grand Marquis. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Audi A4, 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, 1981 Mercury Grand Marquis (262 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 114 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Audi A4. (148 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1981 Mercury Grand Marquis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Audi A4.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Audi A4 | 1981 Mercury Grand Marquis | |
| Make | Audi | Mercury |
| Model | A4 | Grand Marquis |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1594 cc | 4186 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 101 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 148 Nm | 262 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1350 kg | 1680 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 5400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1980 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2910 mm |
