1979 Honda Prelude vs. 2009 Mercury Grand Marquis
To start off, 2009 Mercury Grand Marquis is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Honda Prelude. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Honda Prelude would be higher. At 4,606 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Mercury Grand Marquis is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercury Grand Marquis (224 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 134 more horse power than 1979 Honda Prelude. (90 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercury Grand Marquis should accelerate faster than 1979 Honda Prelude. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercury Grand Marquis weights approximately 942 kg more than 1979 Honda Prelude. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 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 2009 Mercury Grand Marquis. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1979 Honda Prelude, 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, 2009 Mercury Grand Marquis (373 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 238 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Honda Prelude. (135 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Mercury Grand Marquis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Honda Prelude. 2009 Mercury Grand Marquis has automatic transmission and 1979 Honda Prelude has manual transmission. 1979 Honda Prelude will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Mercury Grand Marquis will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1979 Honda Prelude | 2009 Mercury Grand Marquis | |
Make | Honda | Mercury |
Model | Prelude | Grand Marquis |
Year Released | 1979 | 2009 |
Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1750 cc | 4606 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Horse Power | 90 HP | 224 HP |
Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 4800 RPM |
Torque | 135 Nm | 373 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 9.4:1 |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 6 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 890 kg | 1832 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 5390 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 2000 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1440 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2330 mm | 2920 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 72 L |