2008 Mercury Grand Marquis vs. 2003 Acura CL
To start off, 2008 Mercury Grand Marquis is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Acura CL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Acura CL would be higher. At 4,606 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Mercury Grand Marquis is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Acura CL (260 HP @ 6900 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 2008 Mercury Grand Marquis. (224 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Acura CL should accelerate faster than 2008 Mercury Grand Marquis. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercury Grand Marquis weights approximately 256 kg more than 2003 Acura CL.
Because 2008 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 2008 Mercury Grand Marquis. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Acura CL, 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 Mercury Grand Marquis (369 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 54 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Acura CL. (315 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2008 Mercury Grand Marquis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Acura CL.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mercury Grand Marquis | 2003 Acura CL | |
| Make | Mercury | Acura |
| Model | Grand Marquis | CL |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4606 cc | 3179 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 224 HP | 260 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6900 RPM |
| Torque | 369 Nm | 315 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1836 kg | 1580 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5370 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2000 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2920 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 65 L |
