2004 GMC Safari vs. 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis
To start off, 2004 GMC Safari 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 GMC Safari (191 HP) has 62 more horse power than 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis. (129 HP). In normal driving conditions, 2004 GMC Safari should accelerate faster than 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 GMC Safari weights approximately 103 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, 2004 GMC Safari (339 Nm) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis. (303 Nm). This means 2004 GMC Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 GMC Safari | 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis | |
| Make | GMC | Mercury |
| Model | Safari | Grand Marquis |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Van | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4294 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 191 HP | 129 HP |
| Torque | 339 Nm | 303 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 102 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1793 kg | 1690 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4830 mm | 5400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1980 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1910 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2910 mm |
