1989 Mazda 323 vs. 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis
To start off, 1989 Mazda 323 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 19 more horse power than 1989 Mazda 323. (110 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis should accelerate faster than 1989 Mazda 323.
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 Mazda 323, 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 177 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Mazda 323. (126 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Mazda 323.
Compare all specifications:
1989 Mazda 323 | 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis | |
Make | Mazda | Mercury |
Model | 323 | Grand Marquis |
Year Released | 1989 | 1978 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1498 cc | 4942 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Horse Power | 110 HP | 129 HP |
Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
Torque | 126 Nm | 303 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 2600 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 101.6 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 78.4 mm | 76.2 mm |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 5400 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1980 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1390 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2910 mm |