1978 Mercury Grand Marquis vs. 1986 Peugeot 309
To start off, 1986 Peugeot 309 is newer by 8 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 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 24 more horse power than 1986 Peugeot 309. (115 HP @ 6250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis should accelerate faster than 1986 Peugeot 309. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis weights approximately 780 kg more than 1986 Peugeot 309. 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, 1986 Peugeot 309, 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 220 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Peugeot 309. (133 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Peugeot 309.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis | 1986 Peugeot 309 | |
| Make | Mercury | Peugeot |
| Model | Grand Marquis | 309 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1986 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5766 cc | 1580 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 139 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 353 Nm | 133 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1710 kg | 930 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5400 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2480 mm |
