1983 Honda Prelude vs. 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis
To start off, 1983 Honda Prelude is newer by 5 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 32 more horse power than 1983 Honda Prelude. (107 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis should accelerate faster than 1983 Honda Prelude. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis weights approximately 735 kg more than 1983 Honda Prelude. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 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 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1983 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, 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis (353 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 198 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Honda Prelude. (155 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Honda Prelude.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Honda Prelude | 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis | |
| Make | Honda | Mercury |
| Model | Prelude | Grand Marquis |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1829 cc | 5766 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 107 HP | 139 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Torque | 155 Nm | 353 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 975 kg | 1710 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 5400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1980 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2910 mm |
