1978 Mercury Grand Marquis vs. 2002 Opel Vectra
To start off, 2002 Opel Vectra 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 5,766 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis (139 HP @ 3200 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 2002 Opel Vectra. (100 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis should accelerate faster than 2002 Opel Vectra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis weights approximately 370 kg more than 2002 Opel Vectra. 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, 2002 Opel Vectra, 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 203 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Opel Vectra. (150 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Opel Vectra.
Compare all specifications:
1978 Mercury Grand Marquis | 2002 Opel Vectra | |
Make | Mercury | Opel |
Model | Grand Marquis | Vectra |
Year Released | 1978 | 2002 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 5766 cc | 1598 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 139 HP | 100 HP |
Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 6200 RPM |
Torque | 353 Nm | 150 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 3200 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1710 kg | 1340 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5400 mm | 4500 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1720 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1500 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2650 mm |