2003 Chevrolet Silverado vs. 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis
To start off, 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 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 8,128 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Chevrolet Silverado is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Chevrolet Silverado (340 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 211 more horse power than 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis. (129 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Chevrolet Silverado should accelerate faster than 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Chevrolet Silverado weights approximately 910 kg more than 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 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, 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 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, 2003 Chevrolet Silverado (488 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 185 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis. (303 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2003 Chevrolet Silverado will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Chevrolet Silverado | 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mercury |
| Model | Silverado | Grand Marquis |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 8128 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 340 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 488 Nm | 303 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 2600 kg | 1690 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5790 mm | 5400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1980 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1840 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3650 mm | 2910 mm |
