2005 Kia Optima vs. 2008 Mercury Grand Marquis
To start off, 2008 Mercury Grand Marquis is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Kia Optima. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Kia Optima would be higher. At 4,606 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Mercury Grand Marquis is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercury Grand Marquis (224 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 2005 Kia Optima. (170 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercury Grand Marquis should accelerate faster than 2005 Kia Optima. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercury Grand Marquis weights approximately 349 kg more than 2005 Kia Optima. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 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 2008 Mercury Grand Marquis. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Kia Optima, 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, 2008 Mercury Grand Marquis (369 Nm) has 128 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Kia Optima. (241 Nm). This means 2008 Mercury Grand Marquis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Kia Optima.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Kia Optima | 2008 Mercury Grand Marquis | |
| Make | Kia | Mercury |
| Model | Optima | Grand Marquis |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2671 cc | 4606 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 224 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 241 Nm | 369 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1487 kg | 1836 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 5370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 2000 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2920 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.4 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 72 L |
