1997 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis
To start off, 1997 Chevrolet Malibu is newer by 19 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, 1997 Chevrolet Malibu (150 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis. (129 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Chevrolet Malibu 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 305 kg more than 1997 Chevrolet Malibu.
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, 1997 Chevrolet Malibu, 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 93 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Chevrolet Malibu. (210 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Chevrolet Malibu.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Chevrolet Malibu | 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mercury |
| Model | Malibu | Grand Marquis |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2392 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 303 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1690 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 5400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1980 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2910 mm |
