2008 Dodge Grand Caravan vs. 1981 Mercury Grand Marquis
To start off, 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan is newer by 27 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, 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan (240 HP) has 122 more horse power than 1981 Mercury Grand Marquis. (118 HP). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan 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 320 kg more than 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan.
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, 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan, 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 Dodge Grand Caravan (343 Nm) has 81 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Mercury Grand Marquis. (262 Nm). This means 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Mercury Grand Marquis.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan | 1981 Mercury Grand Marquis | |
| Make | Dodge | Mercury |
| Model | Grand Caravan | Grand Marquis |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3952 cc | 4186 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 118 HP |
| Torque | 343 Nm | 262 Nm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1360 kg | 1680 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5150 mm | 5400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1980 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3090 mm | 2910 mm |
