1990 Ford Fiesta vs. 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis
To start off, 1990 Ford Fiesta is newer by 12 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, 1990 Ford Fiesta (133 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis. (129 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 Ford Fiesta 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 780 kg more than 1990 Ford Fiesta.
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, 1990 Ford Fiesta, 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 120 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Ford Fiesta. (183 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Ford Fiesta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Ford Fiesta | 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis | |
| Make | Ford | Mercury |
| Model | Fiesta | Grand Marquis |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1597 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 133 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 183 Nm | 303 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 910 kg | 1690 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 5400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1980 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2910 mm |
