1978 Mercury Grand Marquis vs. 2010 Kia Magentis
To start off, 2010 Kia Magentis is newer by 32 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, 2010 Kia Magentis (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis. (129 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Kia Magentis 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 88 kg more than 2010 Kia Magentis.
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, 2010 Kia Magentis, 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, 2010 Kia Magentis (305 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 2 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis. (303 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2010 Kia Magentis 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 | 2010 Kia Magentis | |
| Make | Mercury | Kia |
| Model | Grand Marquis | Magentis |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 1991 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 303 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 92 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 1602 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5400 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2730 mm |
