2006 Dodge Dakota vs. 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis
To start off, 2006 Dodge Dakota is newer by 28 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 5,766 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Dodge Dakota (210 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 71 more horse power than 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis. (139 HP @ 3200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Dodge Dakota should accelerate faster than 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Dodge Dakota weights approximately 59 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.
Because 2006 Dodge Dakota is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Dodge Dakota will offer significantly more control. 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 (353 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Dodge Dakota. (319 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Dodge Dakota.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Dodge Dakota | 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis | |
| Make | Dodge | Mercury |
| Model | Dakota | Grand Marquis |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3703 cc | 5766 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 139 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Torque | 319 Nm | 353 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1769 kg | 1710 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5560 mm | 5400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1980 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1750 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3340 mm | 2910 mm |
