1978 Mercury Grand Marquis vs. 2002 Mercury Sable
To start off, 2002 Mercury Sable is newer by 24 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, 2002 Mercury Sable (153 HP @ 4900 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis. (129 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercury Sable 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 180 kg more than 2002 Mercury Sable.
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, 2002 Mercury Sable, 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 52 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Mercury Sable. (251 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Mercury Sable.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis | 2002 Mercury Sable | |
| Make | Mercury | Mercury |
| Model | Grand Marquis | Sable |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 2986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Torque | 303 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 3950 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 6 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 1510 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5400 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2760 mm |
