1987 Mercury Grand Marquis vs. 1979 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1987 Mercury Grand Marquis is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1987 Mercury Grand Marquis is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Mercury Grand Marquis (148 HP @ 3200 RPM) has 89 more horse power than 1979 Volkswagen Passat. (59 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 Mercury Grand Marquis should accelerate faster than 1979 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Mercury Grand Marquis weights approximately 870 kg more than 1979 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1987 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 1987 Mercury Grand Marquis. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1979 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, 1987 Mercury Grand Marquis (366 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 271 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Volkswagen Passat. (95 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1987 Mercury Grand Marquis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
1987 Mercury Grand Marquis | 1979 Volkswagen Passat | |
Make | Mercury | Volkswagen |
Model | Grand Marquis | Passat |
Year Released | 1987 | 1979 |
Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4942 cc | 1272 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 148 HP | 59 HP |
Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 366 Nm | 95 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1750 kg | 880 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5400 mm | 4300 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1630 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1370 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2920 mm | 2480 mm |