1998 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis
To start off, 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 20 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, 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 (136 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis. (129 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 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 340 kg more than 1998 Alfa Romeo 156.
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, 1998 Alfa Romeo 156, 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, 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 (304 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 1 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis. (303 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mercury |
| Model | 156 | Grand Marquis |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2386 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 136 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 304 Nm | 303 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.4 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1350 kg | 1690 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 5400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1980 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2910 mm |
