1978 Mercury Grand Marquis vs. 2012 Cadillac CTS
To start off, 2012 Cadillac CTS 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 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Cadillac CTS (318 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 189 more horse power than 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis. (129 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Cadillac CTS should accelerate faster than 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Cadillac CTS weights approximately 88 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.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2012 Cadillac CTS (372 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 69 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis. (303 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2012 Cadillac CTS 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 | 2012 Cadillac CTS | |
| Make | Mercury | Cadillac |
| Model | Grand Marquis | CTS |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 318 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 303 Nm | 372 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 1778 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5400 mm | 4859 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1842 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1473 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2880 mm |
