1972 Buick Centurion vs. 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis
To start off, 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Buick Centurion. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Buick Centurion would be higher. At 7,468 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Buick Centurion is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Buick Centurion (225 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 96 more horse power than 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis. (129 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 Buick Centurion should accelerate faster than 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Buick Centurion weights approximately 380 kg more than 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis. 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, 1972 Buick Centurion (498 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 195 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis. (303 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1972 Buick Centurion will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Buick Centurion | 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis | |
| Make | Buick | Mercury |
| Model | Centurion | Grand Marquis |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7468 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 225 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 498 Nm | 303 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 2070 kg | 1690 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5650 mm | 5400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1980 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3160 mm | 2910 mm |
