2008 Hyundai Sonata vs. 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis
To start off, 2008 Hyundai Sonata is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis would be higher. At 4,604 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Hyundai Sonata (232 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis. (208 HP @ 4250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Hyundai Sonata should accelerate faster than 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis weights approximately 186 kg more than 2008 Hyundai Sonata.
Because 1998 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 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Hyundai Sonata, 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, 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis (360 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 56 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Hyundai Sonata. (304 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Hyundai Sonata. 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis has automatic transmission and 2008 Hyundai Sonata has manual transmission. 2008 Hyundai Sonata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Hyundai Sonata | 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis | |
| Make | Hyundai | Mercury |
| Model | Sonata | Grand Marquis |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3342 cc | 4604 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 232 HP | 208 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Torque | 304 Nm | 360 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1646 kg | 1832 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 5390 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1990 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.1 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 72 L |
