1978 Mercury Grand Marquis vs. 2003 Saab 03-Sep
To start off, 2003 Saab 03-Sep 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 Saab 03-Sep (250 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 111 more horse power than 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis. (139 HP @ 3200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Saab 03-Sep 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 45 kg more than 2003 Saab 03-Sep.
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 Saab 03-Sep, 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, 2003 Saab 03-Sep (370 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis. (353 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2003 Saab 03-Sep will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis | 2003 Saab 03-Sep | |
| Make | Mercury | Saab |
| Model | Grand Marquis | 03-Sep |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5766 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 139 HP | 250 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 353 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1710 kg | 1665 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5400 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2610 mm |
