1979 Mercury Grand Marquis vs. 2008 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 29 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. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mercury Grand Marquis weights approximately 252 kg more than 2008 Volkswagen Passat.
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, 2008 Volkswagen Passat, 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 12 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. (250 Nm @ 1900 RPM). This means 1979 Mercury Grand Marquis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Mercury Grand Marquis | 2008 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Mercury | Volkswagen |
| Model | Grand Marquis | Passat |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4186 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 0 HP |
| Torque | 262 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1680 kg | 1428 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5400 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2720 mm |
