1980 GMC Suburban vs. 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis
To start off, 1980 GMC Suburban is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis would be higher. At 5,766 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis (139 HP @ 3200 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1980 GMC Suburban. (129 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis should accelerate faster than 1980 GMC Suburban. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 GMC Suburban weights approximately 520 kg more than 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis.
Because 1980 GMC Suburban is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 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, 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis (353 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 68 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 GMC Suburban. (285 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 GMC Suburban.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 GMC Suburban | 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis | |
| Make | GMC | Mercury |
| Model | Suburban | Grand Marquis |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1978 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4092 cc | 5766 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 139 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 353 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 2230 kg | 1710 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 5400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1980 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1800 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3300 mm | 2910 mm |
