1978 Mercury Grand Marquis vs. 2005 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2005 Nissan Altima is newer by 27 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, 2005 Nissan Altima (175 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis. (139 HP @ 3200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Nissan Altima 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 302 kg more than 2005 Nissan Altima.
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, 2005 Nissan Altima, 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) has 116 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Nissan Altima. (237 Nm). This means 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Nissan Altima.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis | 2005 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | Mercury | Nissan |
| Model | Grand Marquis | Altima |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5766 cc | 2491 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 139 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 353 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1710 kg | 1408 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5400 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2860 mm |
