1978 Mercury Grand Marquis vs. 2006 Opel Zafira
To start off, 2006 Opel Zafira 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 5,766 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Opel Zafira (197 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis. (139 HP @ 3200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Opel Zafira 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 170 kg more than 2006 Opel Zafira.
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, 2006 Opel Zafira, 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 91 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Opel Zafira. (262 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Opel Zafira.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis | 2006 Opel Zafira | |
| Make | Mercury | Opel |
| Model | Grand Marquis | Zafira |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Minivan |
| 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 | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 353 Nm | 262 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1710 kg | 1540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5400 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1640 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2700 mm |
