1979 Mercury Grand Marquis vs. 1996 Opel Vectra
To start off, 1996 Opel Vectra is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Mercury Grand Marquis. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Mercury Grand Marquis would be higher. At 4,186 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Mercury Grand Marquis is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Mercury Grand Marquis (118 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1996 Opel Vectra. (114 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Mercury Grand Marquis should accelerate faster than 1996 Opel Vectra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mercury Grand Marquis weights approximately 414 kg more than 1996 Opel Vectra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 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 1979 Mercury Grand Marquis. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Opel Vectra, 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, 1979 Mercury Grand Marquis (262 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 92 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Opel Vectra. (170 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1979 Mercury Grand Marquis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Opel Vectra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Mercury Grand Marquis | 1996 Opel Vectra | |
| Make | Mercury | Opel |
| Model | Grand Marquis | Vectra |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4186 cc | 1799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 262 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1680 kg | 1266 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5400 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1430 mm |
