1978 Mercury Grand Marquis vs. 1974 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Volkswagen Passat 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 65 more horse power than 1974 Volkswagen Passat. (74 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis should accelerate faster than 1974 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis weights approximately 790 kg more than 1974 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 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 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1974 Volkswagen Passat, 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, 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis (353 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 232 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Volkswagen Passat. (121 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
1978 Mercury Grand Marquis | 1974 Volkswagen Passat | |
Make | Mercury | Volkswagen |
Model | Grand Marquis | Passat |
Year Released | 1978 | 1974 |
Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
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 | 74 HP |
Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 5600 RPM |
Torque | 353 Nm | 121 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 3200 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1710 kg | 920 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5400 mm | 4200 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1630 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1370 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2480 mm |