1994 Lancia Kappa vs. 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis
To start off, 1994 Lancia Kappa is newer by 16 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, 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis (139 HP @ 3200 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1994 Lancia Kappa. (124 HP @ 4100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis should accelerate faster than 1994 Lancia Kappa. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis weights approximately 225 kg more than 1994 Lancia Kappa. 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, 1994 Lancia Kappa, 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 103 more torque (in Nm) than 1994 Lancia Kappa. (250 Nm @ 2250 RPM). This means 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1994 Lancia Kappa.
Compare all specifications:
| 1994 Lancia Kappa | 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis | |
| Make | Lancia | Mercury |
| Model | Kappa | Grand Marquis |
| Year Released | 1994 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2387 cc | 5766 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 124 HP | 139 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4100 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 353 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2250 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1485 kg | 1710 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4690 mm | 5400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1980 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2910 mm |
