1978 Mercury Grand Marquis vs. 2003 Mercury Sable
To start off, 2003 Mercury Sable is newer by 25 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, 2003 Mercury Sable (152 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis. (139 HP @ 3200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 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 145 kg more than 2003 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, 2003 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 (353 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 107 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mercury Sable. (246 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mercury Sable.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis | 2003 Mercury Sable | |
| Make | Mercury | Mercury |
| Model | Grand Marquis | Sable |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5766 cc | 2982 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 139 HP | 152 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 353 Nm | 246 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 6 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1710 kg | 1565 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5400 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2760 mm |
