1989 Citroen XM vs. 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis
To start off, 1989 Citroen XM is newer by 11 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 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Citroen XM (141 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis. (129 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Citroen XM should accelerate faster than 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis weights approximately 190 kg more than 1989 Citroen XM.
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, 1989 Citroen XM, 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 (303 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 78 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Citroen XM. (225 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Citroen XM.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Citroen XM | 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis | |
| Make | Citroen | Mercury |
| Model | XM | Grand Marquis |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1905 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 225 Nm | 303 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 1690 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4970 mm | 5400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1980 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2910 mm |
