2003 Fiat Panda vs. 1988 Mercury Grand Marquis
To start off, 2003 Fiat Panda is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Mercury Grand Marquis. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Mercury Grand Marquis would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1988 Mercury Grand Marquis is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Mercury Grand Marquis (148 HP @ 3200 RPM) has 97 more horse power than 2003 Fiat Panda. (51 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Mercury Grand Marquis should accelerate faster than 2003 Fiat Panda. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Mercury Grand Marquis weights approximately 892 kg more than 2003 Fiat Panda. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 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 1988 Mercury Grand Marquis. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Fiat Panda, 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, 1988 Mercury Grand Marquis (366 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 278 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Fiat Panda. (88 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 1988 Mercury Grand Marquis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Fiat Panda.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Fiat Panda | 1988 Mercury Grand Marquis | |
| Make | Fiat | Mercury |
| Model | Panda | Grand Marquis |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1108 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Torque | 88 Nm | 366 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 860 kg | 1752 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3540 mm | 5400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1980 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1550 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2920 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 35 L | 90 L |
