1978 Mercury Grand Marquis vs. 1989 Pontiac Grand Prix
To start off, 1989 Pontiac Grand Prix is newer by 11 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, 1989 Pontiac Grand Prix (158 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis. (139 HP @ 3200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Pontiac Grand Prix should accelerate faster than 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis weights approximately 275 kg more than 1989 Pontiac Grand Prix.
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, 1989 Pontiac Grand Prix, 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 150 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Pontiac Grand Prix. (203 Nm @ 5200 RPM). This means 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Pontiac Grand Prix.
Compare all specifications:
1978 Mercury Grand Marquis | 1989 Pontiac Grand Prix | |
Make | Mercury | Pontiac |
Model | Grand Marquis | Grand Prix |
Year Released | 1978 | 1989 |
Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 5766 cc | 2260 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | V |
Horse Power | 139 HP | 158 HP |
Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 6200 RPM |
Torque | 353 Nm | 203 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 5200 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1710 kg | 1435 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5400 mm | 4960 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1810 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1390 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2740 mm |