1978 Mercury Grand Marquis vs. 2004 Seat Altea
To start off, 2004 Seat Altea is newer by 26 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, 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis (129 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 2004 Seat Altea. (108 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis should accelerate faster than 2004 Seat Altea. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis weights approximately 370 kg more than 2004 Seat Altea. 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, 2004 Seat Altea, 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 155 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Seat Altea. (148 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Seat Altea.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis | 2004 Seat Altea | |
| Make | Mercury | Seat |
| Model | Grand Marquis | Altea |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 303 Nm | 148 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 77.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5400 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1580 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2580 mm |
