2006 Mercedes-Benz GL vs. 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz GL 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 Mercedes-Benz GL (221 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis. (139 HP @ 3200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz GL should accelerate faster than 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz GL weights approximately 744 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 Mercedes-Benz GL 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 Mercedes-Benz GL 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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz GL (510 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 157 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis. (353 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz GL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mercedes-Benz GL | 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercury |
| Model | GL | Grand Marquis |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1978 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2987 cc | 5766 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 221 HP | 139 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Torque | 510 Nm | 353 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 6 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2454 kg | 1710 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5090 mm | 5400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1930 mm | 1980 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3080 mm | 2910 mm |
