2003 Audi A8 vs. 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis
To start off, 2003 Audi A8 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 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Audi A8 (216 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 87 more horse power than 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis. (129 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Audi A8 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 20 kg more than 2003 Audi A8.
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 Audi A8, 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 (303 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Audi A8. (300 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Audi A8.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Audi A8 | 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis | |
| Make | Audi | Mercury |
| Model | A8 | Grand Marquis |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2974 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 216 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 303 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.5 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.8 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1670 kg | 1690 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5060 mm | 5400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1980 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2910 mm |
