2004 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis
To start off, 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 26 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, 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis (129 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 2004 Alfa Romeo 156. (113 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis should accelerate faster than 2004 Alfa Romeo 156. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis weights approximately 350 kg more than 2004 Alfa Romeo 156. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2004 Alfa Romeo 156, 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 157 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Alfa Romeo 156. (146 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Alfa Romeo 156.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mercury |
| Model | 156 | Grand Marquis |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 303 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1340 kg | 1690 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 5400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1980 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2910 mm |
