1998 Mercury Grand Marquis vs. 1978 Seat 131
To start off, 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Seat 131. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Seat 131 would be higher. At 4,603 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis (223 HP) has 164 more horse power than 1978 Seat 131. (59 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis should accelerate faster than 1978 Seat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis weights approximately 568 kg more than 1978 Seat 131. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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 Mercury Grand Marquis (372 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 259 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Seat 131. (113 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Seat 131. 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis has automatic transmission and 1978 Seat 131 has manual transmission. 1978 Seat 131 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis | 1978 Seat 131 | |
| Make | Mercury | Seat |
| Model | Grand Marquis | 131 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4603 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 223 HP | 59 HP |
| Torque | 372 Nm | 113 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1732 kg | 1164 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5390 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2000 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2920 mm | 2500 mm |
