1978 Mercury Grand Marquis vs. 2009 Nissan Armada
To start off, 2009 Nissan Armada is newer by 31 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 5,551 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Nissan Armada is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Nissan Armada (317 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 188 more horse power than 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis. (129 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Nissan Armada 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 248 kg more than 2009 Nissan Armada.
Because 2009 Nissan Armada is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Nissan Armada will offer significantly more control. 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, 2009 Nissan Armada (522 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 219 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis. (303 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2009 Nissan Armada 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 | 2009 Nissan Armada | |
| Make | Mercury | Nissan |
| Model | Grand Marquis | Armada |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 5551 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 317 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 303 Nm | 522 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 8 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 1442 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5400 mm | 5280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1990 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 3140 mm |
