1978 Buick Electra vs. 1983 Mercury Grand Marquis
To start off, 1983 Mercury Grand Marquis is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Buick Electra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Buick Electra would be higher. At 5,730 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Buick Electra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Buick Electra (153 HP @ 3400 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 1983 Mercury Grand Marquis. (129 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Buick Electra should accelerate faster than 1983 Mercury Grand Marquis. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Buick Electra weights approximately 95 kg more than 1983 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, 1978 Buick Electra (381 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 79 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Mercury Grand Marquis. (302 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1978 Buick Electra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Mercury Grand Marquis.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Buick Electra | 1983 Mercury Grand Marquis | |
| Make | Buick | Mercury |
| Model | Electra | Grand Marquis |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1983 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5730 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 381 Nm | 302 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 97.8 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1785 kg | 1690 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5650 mm | 5400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1980 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2910 mm |
