2002 Audi S3 vs. 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis
To start off, 2002 Audi S3 is newer by 24 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, 2002 Audi S3 (222 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 93 more horse power than 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis. (129 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Audi S3 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 267 kg more than 2002 Audi S3.
Because 2002 Audi S3 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Audi S3 will offer significantly more control. 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 23 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Audi S3. (280 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Audi S3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Audi S3 | 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis | |
| Make | Audi | Mercury |
| Model | S3 | Grand Marquis |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1779 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 222 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 303 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1423 kg | 1690 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4170 mm | 5400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1980 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2910 mm |
