2006 Lexus RX vs. 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis
To start off, 2006 Lexus RX 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 Lexus RX (226 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 87 more horse power than 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis. (139 HP @ 3200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Lexus RX should accelerate faster than 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis weights approximately 170 kg more than 2006 Lexus RX.
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 Lexus RX, 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 (353 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Lexus RX. (323 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Lexus RX.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Lexus RX | 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis | |
| Make | Lexus | Mercury |
| Model | RX | Grand Marquis |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1978 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3314 cc | 5766 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 226 HP | 139 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Torque | 323 Nm | 353 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1540 kg | 1710 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 5400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1980 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1690 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2910 mm |
