1993 Lancia Thema vs. 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis
To start off, 1993 Lancia Thema is newer by 15 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 5,766 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1993 Lancia Thema (205 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 66 more horse power than 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis. (139 HP @ 3200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1993 Lancia Thema 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 380 kg more than 1993 Lancia Thema.
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, 1993 Lancia Thema, 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 (353 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 1993 Lancia Thema. (298 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1993 Lancia Thema.
Compare all specifications:
| 1993 Lancia Thema | 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis | |
| Make | Lancia | Mercury |
| Model | Thema | Grand Marquis |
| Year Released | 1993 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 5766 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 205 HP | 139 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 353 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1330 kg | 1710 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4610 mm | 5400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1980 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2910 mm |
