1978 Chrysler Valiant vs. 1981 Mercury Grand Marquis
To start off, 1981 Mercury Grand Marquis is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Chrysler Valiant. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Chrysler Valiant would be higher. At 4,186 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Mercury Grand Marquis is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Chrysler Valiant (138 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1981 Mercury Grand Marquis. (118 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Chrysler Valiant should accelerate faster than 1981 Mercury Grand Marquis. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Mercury Grand Marquis weights approximately 260 kg more than 1978 Chrysler Valiant.
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 Chrysler Valiant (277 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Mercury Grand Marquis. (262 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1978 Chrysler Valiant will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Mercury Grand Marquis.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Chrysler Valiant | 1981 Mercury Grand Marquis | |
| Make | Chrysler | Mercury |
| Model | Valiant | Grand Marquis |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4015 cc | 4186 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 277 Nm | 262 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1420 kg | 1680 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5050 mm | 5400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1980 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2910 mm |
