1978 Mercury Grand Marquis vs. 1989 Vauxhall Astra
To start off, 1989 Vauxhall Astra 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, 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis (139 HP @ 3200 RPM) has 83 more horse power than 1989 Vauxhall Astra. (56 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis should accelerate faster than 1989 Vauxhall Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis weights approximately 695 kg more than 1989 Vauxhall Astra. 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, 1989 Vauxhall Astra, 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 248 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Vauxhall Astra. (105 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Vauxhall Astra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis | 1989 Vauxhall Astra | |
| Make | Mercury | Vauxhall |
| Model | Grand Marquis | Astra |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5766 cc | 1700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 139 HP | 56 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 353 Nm | 105 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1710 kg | 1015 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5400 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2530 mm |
