1978 Lancia Beta vs. 2005 Mercury Grand Marquis
To start off, 2005 Mercury Grand Marquis is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Lancia Beta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Lancia Beta would be higher. At 4,604 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 Mercury Grand Marquis is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercury Grand Marquis (208 HP @ 4250 RPM) has 127 more horse power than 1978 Lancia Beta. (81 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercury Grand Marquis should accelerate faster than 1978 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercury Grand Marquis weights approximately 832 kg more than 1978 Lancia Beta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 Mercury Grand Marquis 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 2005 Mercury Grand Marquis. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 Lancia Beta, 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, 2005 Mercury Grand Marquis (359 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 251 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Lancia Beta. (108 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2005 Mercury Grand Marquis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Lancia Beta. 2005 Mercury Grand Marquis has automatic transmission and 1978 Lancia Beta has manual transmission. 1978 Lancia Beta will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Mercury Grand Marquis will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1978 Lancia Beta | 2005 Mercury Grand Marquis | |
Make | Lancia | Mercury |
Model | Beta | Grand Marquis |
Year Released | 1978 | 2005 |
Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1297 cc | 4604 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Horse Power | 81 HP | 208 HP |
Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 4250 RPM |
Torque | 108 Nm | 359 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 3000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1832 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 5390 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 2000 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1450 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2760 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 49 L | 72 L |