2006 Honda Pilot vs. 1981 Mercury Grand Marquis
To start off, 2006 Honda Pilot is newer by 25 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, 2006 Honda Pilot (244 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 126 more horse power than 1981 Mercury Grand Marquis. (118 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Honda Pilot should accelerate faster than 1981 Mercury Grand Marquis. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Mercury Grand Marquis weights approximately 162 kg more than 2006 Honda Pilot.
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, 2006 Honda Pilot, 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, 2006 Honda Pilot (325 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 63 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Mercury Grand Marquis. (262 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2006 Honda Pilot will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Mercury Grand Marquis.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Honda Pilot | 1981 Mercury Grand Marquis | |
| Make | Honda | Mercury |
| Model | Pilot | Grand Marquis |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1981 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3471 cc | 4186 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 244 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 325 Nm | 262 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 8 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1518 kg | 1680 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 5400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1980 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2910 mm |
