1971 Dodge Dart vs. 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis
To start off, 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Dodge Dart. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Dodge Dart 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 39 more horse power than 1971 Dodge Dart. (100 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis should accelerate faster than 1971 Dodge Dart. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis weights approximately 355 kg more than 1971 Dodge Dart. 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 136 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Dodge Dart. (217 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Dodge Dart.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Dodge Dart | 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis | |
| Make | Dodge | Mercury |
| Model | Dart | Grand Marquis |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3249 cc | 5766 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 139 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 353 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1355 kg | 1710 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 5400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1980 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2910 mm |
