1978 Alfa Romeo Alfasud vs. 1968 Mercury Marauder
To start off, 1978 Alfa Romeo Alfasud is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Mercury Marauder. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Mercury Marauder would be higher. At 7,003 cc (8 cylinders), 1968 Mercury Marauder is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Mercury Marauder (205 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 120 more horse power than 1978 Alfa Romeo Alfasud. (85 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1968 Mercury Marauder should accelerate faster than 1978 Alfa Romeo Alfasud. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Mercury Marauder weights approximately 1130 kg more than 1978 Alfa Romeo Alfasud. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1968 Mercury Marauder 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 1968 Mercury Marauder. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 Alfa Romeo Alfasud, 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, 1968 Mercury Marauder (453 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 342 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Alfa Romeo Alfasud. (111 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1968 Mercury Marauder will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Alfa Romeo Alfasud.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Alfa Romeo Alfasud | 1968 Mercury Marauder | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mercury |
| Model | Alfasud | Marauder |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1968 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1351 cc | 7003 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 205 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 111 Nm | 453 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 890 kg | 2020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 5640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 2040 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 3160 mm |
