1978 Mercury Grand Marquis vs. 1993 Volvo 850
To start off, 1993 Volvo 850 is newer by 15 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, 1993 Volvo 850 (225 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 86 more horse power than 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis. (139 HP @ 3200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1993 Volvo 850 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 260 kg more than 1993 Volvo 850.
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, 1993 Volvo 850, 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 53 more torque (in Nm) than 1993 Volvo 850. (300 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1993 Volvo 850.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis | 1993 Volvo 850 | |
| Make | Mercury | Volvo |
| Model | Grand Marquis | 850 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1993 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5766 cc | 2319 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 139 HP | 225 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 353 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1710 kg | 1450 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5400 mm | 4660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 2030 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2680 mm |
