2005 Mercury Grand Marquis vs. 1979 Volvo 260
To start off, 2005 Mercury Grand Marquis is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Volvo 260. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Volvo 260 would be higher. At 4,604 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 Mercury Grand Marquis is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercury Grand Marquis (208 HP @ 4250 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 1979 Volvo 260. (146 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercury Grand Marquis should accelerate faster than 1979 Volvo 260. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercury Grand Marquis weights approximately 482 kg more than 1979 Volvo 260. 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, 2005 Mercury Grand Marquis (359 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 141 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Volvo 260. (218 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2005 Mercury Grand Marquis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Volvo 260.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mercury Grand Marquis | 1979 Volvo 260 | |
| Make | Mercury | Volvo |
| Model | Grand Marquis | 260 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4604 cc | 2664 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 146 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 359 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1832 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5390 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2000 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2660 mm |
