1978 Chrysler Valiant vs. 1986 Mercury Grand Marquis
To start off, 1986 Mercury Grand Marquis is newer by 8 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 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1986 Mercury Grand Marquis is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Mercury Grand Marquis (148 HP @ 3200 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1978 Chrysler Valiant. (138 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Mercury Grand Marquis should accelerate faster than 1978 Chrysler Valiant. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Mercury Grand Marquis weights approximately 330 kg more than 1978 Chrysler Valiant. 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, 1986 Mercury Grand Marquis (367 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Chrysler Valiant. (277 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1986 Mercury Grand Marquis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Chrysler Valiant.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Chrysler Valiant | 1986 Mercury Grand Marquis | |
| Make | Chrysler | Mercury |
| Model | Valiant | Grand Marquis |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4015 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Torque | 277 Nm | 367 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1420 kg | 1750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5050 mm | 5400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1980 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2920 mm |
