1964 Austin-Healey Sprite vs. 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis
To start off, 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1964 Austin-Healey Sprite. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1964 Austin-Healey Sprite would be higher. At 5,766 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis (139 HP @ 3200 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 1964 Austin-Healey Sprite. (59 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis should accelerate faster than 1964 Austin-Healey Sprite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis weights approximately 996 kg more than 1964 Austin-Healey Sprite. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis (353 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 269 more torque (in Nm) than 1964 Austin-Healey Sprite. (84 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1964 Austin-Healey Sprite.
Compare all specifications:
| 1964 Austin-Healey Sprite | 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Mercury |
| Model | Sprite | Grand Marquis |
| Year Released | 1964 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1098 cc | 5766 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 139 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Torque | 84 Nm | 353 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 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 | 714 kg | 1710 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3470 mm | 5400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1350 mm | 1980 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2040 mm | 2910 mm |
