1978 Mercury Grand Marquis vs. 1973 Opel Kadett
To start off, 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Opel Kadett. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Opel Kadett 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 78 more horse power than 1973 Opel Kadett. (51 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis should accelerate faster than 1973 Opel Kadett. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis weights approximately 870 kg more than 1973 Opel Kadett. 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 223 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Opel Kadett. (80 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Opel Kadett.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis | 1973 Opel Kadett | |
| Make | Mercury | Opel |
| Model | Grand Marquis | Kadett |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1973 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 1196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 51 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 303 Nm | 80 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 61 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5400 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2410 mm |
