1979 Mercury Grand Marquis vs. 2004 Opel Zafira
To start off, 2004 Opel Zafira is newer by 25 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, 2004 Opel Zafira (197 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 1979 Mercury Grand Marquis. (118 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Opel Zafira should accelerate faster than 1979 Mercury Grand Marquis. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mercury Grand Marquis weights approximately 140 kg more than 2004 Opel Zafira.
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, 2004 Opel Zafira, 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 11 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Opel Zafira. (251 Nm @ 1950 RPM). This means 1979 Mercury Grand Marquis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Opel Zafira.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Mercury Grand Marquis | 2004 Opel Zafira | |
| Make | Mercury | Opel |
| Model | Grand Marquis | Zafira |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4186 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 262 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 1950 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1680 kg | 1540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5400 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1640 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2530 mm |
