1978 Mercury Grand Marquis vs. 1987 Toyota Carina
To start off, 1987 Toyota Carina is newer by 9 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 46 more horse power than 1987 Toyota Carina. (83 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis should accelerate faster than 1987 Toyota Carina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis weights approximately 688 kg more than 1987 Toyota Carina. 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, 1987 Toyota Carina, 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 161 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Toyota Carina. (142 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Toyota Carina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis | 1987 Toyota Carina | |
| Make | Mercury | Toyota |
| Model | Grand Marquis | Carina |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1987 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 1587 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 83 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 303 Nm | 142 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 1002 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5400 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2510 mm |
