1979 GMC Suburban vs. 1987 Mercury Grand Marquis
To start off, 1987 Mercury Grand Marquis is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 GMC Suburban. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 GMC Suburban would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1987 Mercury Grand Marquis is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Mercury Grand Marquis (148 HP @ 3200 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1979 GMC Suburban. (129 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1987 Mercury Grand Marquis should accelerate faster than 1979 GMC Suburban. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 GMC Suburban weights approximately 482 kg more than 1987 Mercury Grand Marquis.
Because 1979 GMC Suburban is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1987 Mercury Grand Marquis. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1979 GMC Suburban will offer significantly more control. 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, 1987 Mercury Grand Marquis (366 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 81 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 GMC Suburban. (285 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1987 Mercury Grand Marquis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 GMC Suburban.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 GMC Suburban | 1987 Mercury Grand Marquis | |
| Make | GMC | Mercury |
| Model | Suburban | Grand Marquis |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1987 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4093 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 366 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 2232 kg | 1750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 5400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1980 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1800 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3300 mm | 2920 mm |
