2003 Alfa Romeo GTV vs. 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis
To start off, 2003 Alfa Romeo GTV is newer by 25 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 5,766 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Alfa Romeo GTV (148 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis. (139 HP @ 3200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Alfa Romeo GTV 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 395 kg more than 2003 Alfa Romeo GTV.
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, 2003 Alfa Romeo GTV, 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 (353 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 172 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Alfa Romeo GTV. (181 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Alfa Romeo GTV.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Alfa Romeo GTV | 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mercury |
| Model | GTV | Grand Marquis |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1910 cc | 5766 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 139 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Torque | 181 Nm | 353 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1315 kg | 1710 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 5400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1980 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2910 mm |
