1978 Buick Electra vs. 2008 Mercury Grand Marquis
To start off, 2008 Mercury Grand Marquis is newer by 30 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, 2008 Mercury Grand Marquis (224 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 71 more horse power than 1978 Buick Electra. (153 HP @ 3400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercury Grand Marquis should accelerate faster than 1978 Buick Electra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercury Grand Marquis weights approximately 51 kg more than 1978 Buick Electra. 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 12 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mercury Grand Marquis. (369 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1978 Buick Electra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mercury Grand Marquis.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Buick Electra | 2008 Mercury Grand Marquis | |
| Make | Buick | Mercury |
| Model | Electra | Grand Marquis |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5730 cc | 4606 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 224 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 381 Nm | 369 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1785 kg | 1836 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5650 mm | 5370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 2000 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2920 mm |
