1978 Mercury Grand Marquis vs. 2012 Buick LaCrosse
To start off, 2012 Buick LaCrosse is newer by 34 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, 2012 Buick LaCrosse (182 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis. (139 HP @ 3200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Buick LaCrosse should accelerate faster than 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Buick LaCrosse weights approximately 30 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, 2012 Buick LaCrosse, 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 120 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Buick LaCrosse. (233 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Buick LaCrosse.
Compare all specifications:
1978 Mercury Grand Marquis | 2012 Buick LaCrosse | |
Make | Mercury | Buick |
Model | Grand Marquis | LaCrosse |
Year Released | 1978 | 2012 |
Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 5766 cc | 2400 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 139 HP | 182 HP |
Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 6700 RPM |
Torque | 353 Nm | 233 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 4900 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1710 kg | 1740 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5400 mm | 5001 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1857 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1504 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2837 mm |