1978 Mercury Grand Marquis vs. 2006 Nissan 350Z
To start off, 2006 Nissan 350Z is newer by 28 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, 2006 Nissan 350Z (276 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 147 more horse power than 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis. (129 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Nissan 350Z 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 160 kg more than 2006 Nissan 350Z.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2006 Nissan 350Z (364 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis. (303 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2006 Nissan 350Z 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 | 2006 Nissan 350Z | |
| Make | Mercury | Nissan |
| Model | Grand Marquis | 350Z |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 276 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 303 Nm | 364 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 81.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 1530 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5400 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2660 mm |
