1978 Ford Crown Victoria vs. 1996 Pontiac Grand Prix
To start off, 1996 Pontiac Grand Prix is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Ford Crown Victoria. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Ford Crown Victoria would be higher. At 5,766 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Ford Crown Victoria is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Pontiac Grand Prix (158 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1978 Ford Crown Victoria. (138 HP @ 3200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Pontiac Grand Prix should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Crown Victoria. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Ford Crown Victoria weights approximately 190 kg more than 1996 Pontiac Grand Prix.
Because 1978 Ford Crown Victoria 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 1978 Ford Crown Victoria. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Pontiac Grand Prix, 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, 1978 Ford Crown Victoria (353 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 102 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Pontiac Grand Prix. (251 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1978 Ford Crown Victoria will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Pontiac Grand Prix.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ford Crown Victoria | 1996 Pontiac Grand Prix | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | Crown Victoria | Grand Prix |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5766 cc | 3134 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 353 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1660 kg | 1470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5320 mm | 4930 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2740 mm |
