2006 Mercury Grand Marquis vs. 1998 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2006 Mercury Grand Marquis is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Volkswagen Beetle. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Volkswagen Beetle would be higher. At 4,604 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 Mercury Grand Marquis is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercury Grand Marquis (224 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 109 more horse power than 1998 Volkswagen Beetle. (115 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercury Grand Marquis should accelerate faster than 1998 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercury Grand Marquis weights approximately 845 kg more than 1998 Volkswagen Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 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 2006 Mercury Grand Marquis. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Volkswagen Beetle, 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 Mercury Grand Marquis (373 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 208 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Volkswagen Beetle. (165 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2006 Mercury Grand Marquis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mercury Grand Marquis | 1998 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Mercury | Volkswagen |
| Model | Grand Marquis | Beetle |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4604 cc | 1899 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 224 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 373 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 6 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2075 kg | 1230 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5390 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2920 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 55 L |
