1978 Mercury Grand Marquis vs. 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse
To start off, 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse is newer by 30 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, 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse (162 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis. (139 HP @ 3200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse 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 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse.
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, 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse, 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 133 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse. (220 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis | 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse | |
| Make | Mercury | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Grand Marquis | Eclipse |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5766 cc | 2378 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 139 HP | 162 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 353 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1710 kg | 1540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5400 mm | 4570 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2580 mm |
