1978 Mercury Grand Marquis vs. 2012 Hyundai Sonata
To start off, 2012 Hyundai Sonata 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 Hyundai Sonata (190 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis. (139 HP @ 3200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Hyundai Sonata should accelerate faster than 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis.
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 Hyundai Sonata, 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 111 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Hyundai Sonata. (242 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Hyundai Sonata.
Compare all specifications:
1978 Mercury Grand Marquis | 2012 Hyundai Sonata | |
Make | Mercury | Hyundai |
Model | Grand Marquis | Sonata |
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 | 190 HP |
Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 6300 RPM |
Torque | 353 Nm | 242 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 4250 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Length | 5400 mm | 4821 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1834 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1471 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2794 mm |