1978 Mercury Grand Marquis vs. 2006 Renault Vel Satis
To start off, 2006 Renault Vel Satis 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 Renault Vel Satis (239 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 100 more horse power than 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis. (139 HP @ 3200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Renault Vel Satis should accelerate faster than 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Renault Vel Satis weights approximately 85 kg more than 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis. 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, 2006 Renault Vel Satis, 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 23 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Renault Vel Satis. (330 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Renault Vel Satis.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis | 2006 Renault Vel Satis | |
| Make | Mercury | Renault |
| Model | Grand Marquis | Vel Satis |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5766 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 139 HP | 239 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 353 Nm | 330 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 3600 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 | 1795 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5400 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1580 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2850 mm |
