2004 Ford Focus vs. 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis
To start off, 2004 Ford Focus 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, 2004 Ford Focus (144 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis. (129 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Ford Focus 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 508 kg more than 2004 Ford Focus.
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 Ford Focus, 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) has 101 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Ford Focus. (202 Nm). This means 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Ford Focus.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Ford Focus | 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis | |
| Make | Ford | Mercury |
| Model | Focus | Grand Marquis |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2260 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 144 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 202 Nm | 303 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1182 kg | 1690 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 5400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1980 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2910 mm |
