2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser vs. 1979 Mercury Grand Marquis
To start off, 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Mercury Grand Marquis. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Mercury Grand Marquis would be higher. At 4,186 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Mercury Grand Marquis is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser (148 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1979 Mercury Grand Marquis. (118 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser should accelerate faster than 1979 Mercury Grand Marquis. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mercury Grand Marquis weights approximately 122 kg more than 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser.
Because 1979 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 1979 Mercury Grand Marquis. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser, 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, 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser (300 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 38 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mercury Grand Marquis. (262 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mercury Grand Marquis.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser | 1979 Mercury Grand Marquis | |
| Make | Chrysler | Mercury |
| Model | PT Cruiser | Grand Marquis |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2148 cc | 4186 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 262 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1558 kg | 1680 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 5400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1980 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1610 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2910 mm |
