1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 vs. 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis
To start off, 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 would be higher. At 4,604 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis (208 HP @ 4250 RPM) has 136 more horse power than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. (72 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis should accelerate faster than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis weights approximately 447 kg more than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. 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, 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis (359 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 222 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. (137 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis has automatic transmission and 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 has manual transmission. 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 | 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercury |
| Model | 240 | Grand Marquis |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2399 cc | 4604 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 208 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Torque | 137 Nm | 359 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1832 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 5390 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1990 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 72 L |
