1979 Ford Fairlane vs. 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis
To start off, 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Ford Fairlane. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Ford Fairlane would be higher. At 4,940 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Ford Fairlane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis (208 HP @ 4250 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1979 Ford Fairlane. (185 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford Fairlane. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis weights approximately 402 kg more than 1979 Ford Fairlane. 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, 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis (360 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Ford Fairlane. (344 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Ford Fairlane.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Ford Fairlane | 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis | |
| Make | Ford | Mercury |
| Model | Fairlane | Grand Marquis |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4940 cc | 4604 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 208 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Torque | 344 Nm | 360 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 1832 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5020 mm | 5390 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1990 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2760 mm |
