2006 Ford Fusion vs. 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis
To start off, 2006 Ford Fusion 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 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis (129 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 2006 Ford Fusion. (89 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis should accelerate faster than 2006 Ford Fusion. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis weights approximately 513 kg more than 2006 Ford Fusion. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2006 Ford Fusion, 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 @ 2600 RPM) has 99 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Ford Fusion. (204 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Ford Fusion.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Ford Fusion | 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis | |
| Make | Ford | Mercury |
| Model | Fusion | Grand Marquis |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1559 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 204 Nm | 303 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 73 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1177 kg | 1690 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4020 mm | 5400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1980 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2910 mm |
