2007 Mercury Grand Marquis vs. 1980 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2007 Mercury Grand Marquis is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 4,603 cc (8 cylinders), 2007 Mercury Grand Marquis is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Mercury Grand Marquis (239 HP @ 4900 RPM) has 149 more horse power than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. (90 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mercury Grand Marquis should accelerate faster than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Mercury Grand Marquis weights approximately 872 kg more than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2007 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 2007 Mercury Grand Marquis. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 Volkswagen Passat, 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, 2007 Mercury Grand Marquis (389 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 244 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. (145 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2007 Mercury Grand Marquis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Mercury Grand Marquis | 1980 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Mercury | Volkswagen |
| Model | Grand Marquis | Passat |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4603 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 239 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 389 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4100 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90.2 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.9 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1832 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5370 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2000 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2920 mm | 2560 mm |
