1997 Honda Prelude vs. 1979 Mercury Grand Marquis
To start off, 1997 Honda Prelude is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Mercury Grand Marquis. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Mercury Grand Marquis would be higher. At 4,186 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Mercury Grand Marquis is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Honda Prelude (195 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 1979 Mercury Grand Marquis. (118 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Honda Prelude should accelerate faster than 1979 Mercury Grand Marquis. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mercury Grand Marquis weights approximately 299 kg more than 1997 Honda Prelude.
Because 1979 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 1979 Mercury Grand Marquis. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Honda Prelude, 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, 1979 Mercury Grand Marquis (262 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 51 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Honda Prelude. (211 Nm @ 5250 RPM). This means 1979 Mercury Grand Marquis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Honda Prelude.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Honda Prelude | 1979 Mercury Grand Marquis | |
| Make | Honda | Mercury |
| Model | Prelude | Grand Marquis |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2155 cc | 4186 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 195 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 211 Nm | 262 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5250 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1381 kg | 1680 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 5400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1980 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2910 mm |
