1973 Honda Z vs. 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis
To start off, 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Honda Z. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Honda Z 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 107 more horse power than 1973 Honda Z. (32 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis should accelerate faster than 1973 Honda Z. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis weights approximately 1130 kg more than 1973 Honda Z. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 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 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1973 Honda Z, 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, 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis (353 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 310 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Honda Z. (43 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Honda Z.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Honda Z | 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis | |
| Make | Honda | Mercury |
| Model | Z | Grand Marquis |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 599 cc | 5766 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 32 HP | 139 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Torque | 43 Nm | 353 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 580 kg | 1710 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3140 mm | 5400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1310 mm | 1980 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2910 mm |
