1978 Mercury Grand Marquis vs. 1968 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis (129 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 86 more horse power than 1968 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (43 HP @ 4100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis should accelerate faster than 1968 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis weights approximately 850 kg more than 1968 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. 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 (303 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 217 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (86 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis | 1968 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Mercury | Volkswagen |
| Model | Grand Marquis | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1968 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 1283 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 43 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Torque | 303 Nm | 86 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 69 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 840 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5400 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2430 mm |
