2003 Chevrolet SSR vs. 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis
To start off, 2003 Chevrolet SSR 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 5,316 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Chevrolet SSR is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Chevrolet SSR (296 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 167 more horse power than 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis. (129 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Chevrolet SSR should accelerate faster than 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Chevrolet SSR weights approximately 464 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.
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, 2003 Chevrolet SSR (449 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 146 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis. (303 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2003 Chevrolet SSR will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Chevrolet SSR | 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mercury |
| Model | SSR | Grand Marquis |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5316 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 296 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 449 Nm | 303 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2154 kg | 1690 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 5400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2000 mm | 1980 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2910 mm |
