1974 GMC Suburban vs. 1979 Mercury Grand Marquis
To start off, 1979 Mercury Grand Marquis is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 GMC Suburban. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 GMC Suburban would be higher. At 4,186 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Mercury Grand Marquis is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Mercury Grand Marquis (118 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1974 GMC Suburban. (100 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Mercury Grand Marquis should accelerate faster than 1974 GMC Suburban. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 GMC Suburban weights approximately 520 kg more than 1979 Mercury Grand Marquis.
Because 1974 GMC Suburban is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1979 Mercury Grand Marquis. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1974 GMC Suburban will offer significantly more control. 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, 1979 Mercury Grand Marquis (262 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 GMC Suburban. (243 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 1979 Mercury Grand Marquis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 GMC Suburban.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 GMC Suburban | 1979 Mercury Grand Marquis | |
| Make | GMC | Mercury |
| Model | Suburban | Grand Marquis |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1979 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4093 cc | 4186 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 243 Nm | 262 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 2200 kg | 1680 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 5400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1980 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1800 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3300 mm | 2910 mm |
