1978 Mercury Grand Marquis vs. 1999 Renault Megane
To start off, 1999 Renault Megane is newer by 21 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 18 more horse power than 1999 Renault Megane. (111 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis should accelerate faster than 1999 Renault Megane. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis weights approximately 595 kg more than 1999 Renault Megane. 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, 1999 Renault Megane, 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 156 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Renault Megane. (147 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Renault Megane.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis | 1999 Renault Megane | |
| Make | Mercury | Renault |
| Model | Grand Marquis | Megane |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 111 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 303 Nm | 147 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 80.5 mm |
| 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 | 1095 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5400 mm | 4040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2480 mm |
