2009 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1980 Mercury Grand Marquis
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Mercury Grand Marquis. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Mercury Grand Marquis would be higher. At 5,980 cc (12 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL (661 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 543 more horse power than 1980 Mercury Grand Marquis. (118 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1980 Mercury Grand Marquis. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Mercury Grand Marquis weights approximately 315 kg more than 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL (1,000 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 738 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Mercury Grand Marquis. (262 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Mercury Grand Marquis.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL | 1980 Mercury Grand Marquis | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercury |
| Model | SL | Grand Marquis |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5980 cc | 4184 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 661 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 1000 Nm | 262 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1365 kg | 1680 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5210 mm | 5400 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1830 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2910 mm |
