1989 Honda Accord vs. 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis
To start off, 1989 Honda Accord 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, 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis (129 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1989 Honda Accord. (120 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis should accelerate faster than 1989 Honda Accord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis weights approximately 550 kg more than 1989 Honda Accord. 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, 1989 Honda Accord, 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 138 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Honda Accord. (165 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Honda Accord.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Honda Accord | 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis | |
| Make | Honda | Mercury |
| Model | Accord | Grand Marquis |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1955 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 303 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.7 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 1690 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 5400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1980 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2910 mm |
