1991 Holden Nova vs. 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis
To start off, 1991 Holden Nova is newer by 13 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 48 more horse power than 1991 Holden Nova. (81 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis should accelerate faster than 1991 Holden Nova. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis weights approximately 675 kg more than 1991 Holden Nova. 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, 1991 Holden Nova, 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 185 more torque (in Nm) than 1991 Holden Nova. (118 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1991 Holden Nova.
Compare all specifications:
| 1991 Holden Nova | 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis | |
| Make | Holden | Mercury |
| Model | Nova | Grand Marquis |
| Year Released | 1991 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1397 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 118 Nm | 303 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1015 kg | 1690 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 5400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1980 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2910 mm |
