1978 Mercury Grand Marquis vs. 2000 Nissan Xterra
To start off, 2000 Nissan Xterra is newer by 22 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, 2000 Nissan Xterra (141 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis. (129 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2000 Nissan Xterra 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 110 kg more than 2000 Nissan Xterra.
Because 2000 Nissan Xterra is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2000 Nissan Xterra will offer significantly more control. 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 94 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Nissan Xterra. (209 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Nissan Xterra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis | 2000 Nissan Xterra | |
| Make | Mercury | Nissan |
| Model | Grand Marquis | Xterra |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2000 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 2392 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 303 Nm | 209 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 96 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 1580 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5400 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1770 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2660 mm |
