1978 Mercury Grand Marquis vs. 1997 Oldsmobile Cutlass
To start off, 1997 Oldsmobile Cutlass is newer by 19 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, 1997 Oldsmobile Cutlass (150 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis. (129 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Oldsmobile Cutlass 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 290 kg more than 1997 Oldsmobile Cutlass.
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, 1997 Oldsmobile Cutlass, 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 54 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Oldsmobile Cutlass. (249 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Oldsmobile Cutlass.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis | 1997 Oldsmobile Cutlass | |
| Make | Mercury | Oldsmobile |
| Model | Grand Marquis | Cutlass |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 3134 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 303 Nm | 249 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5400 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2720 mm |
