1978 Mercury Grand Marquis vs. 1983 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1983 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis 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 41 more horse power than 1983 Volkswagen Golf. (88 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis should accelerate faster than 1983 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis weights approximately 790 kg more than 1983 Volkswagen Golf. 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, 1983 Volkswagen Golf, 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 (303 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 158 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Volkswagen Golf. (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis | 1983 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Mercury | Volkswagen |
| Model | Grand Marquis | Golf |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1983 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 1780 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 88 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 303 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 900 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5400 mm | 3990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2410 mm |
