1979 Fiat 126 vs. 2006 Mercury Grand Marquis
To start off, 2006 Mercury Grand Marquis is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Fiat 126. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Fiat 126 would be higher. At 4,605 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 Mercury Grand Marquis is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercury Grand Marquis (224 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 200 more horse power than 1979 Fiat 126. (24 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercury Grand Marquis should accelerate faster than 1979 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercury Grand Marquis weights approximately 1340 kg more than 1979 Fiat 126. 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, 2006 Mercury Grand Marquis (369 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 327 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Fiat 126. (42 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2006 Mercury Grand Marquis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Fiat 126. 2006 Mercury Grand Marquis has automatic transmission and 1979 Fiat 126 has manual transmission. 1979 Fiat 126 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Mercury Grand Marquis will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Fiat 126 | 2006 Mercury Grand Marquis | |
| Make | Fiat | Mercury |
| Model | 126 | Grand Marquis |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 652 cc | 4605 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 24 HP | 224 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 42 Nm | 369 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 585 kg | 1925 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3130 mm | 5390 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 2000 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2920 mm |
