1978 Mercury Grand Marquis vs. 1959 MG MGA
To start off, 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 MG MGA. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 MG MGA would be higher. At 5,766 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis (139 HP @ 3200 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 1959 MG MGA. (106 HP @ 6700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis should accelerate faster than 1959 MG MGA. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis weights approximately 810 kg more than 1959 MG MGA. 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, 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis (353 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 212 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 MG MGA. (141 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 MG MGA.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis | 1959 MG MGA | |
| Make | Mercury | MG |
| Model | Grand Marquis | MGA |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1959 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5766 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 139 HP | 106 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 353 Nm | 141 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1710 kg | 900 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5400 mm | 3970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1460 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2390 mm |
