2006 Mercury Grand Marquis vs. 1979 Plymouth Horizon
To start off, 2006 Mercury Grand Marquis is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Plymouth Horizon. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Plymouth Horizon would be higher. At 4,604 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 Mercury Grand Marquis is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercury Grand Marquis (224 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 162 more horse power than 1979 Plymouth Horizon. (62 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercury Grand Marquis should accelerate faster than 1979 Plymouth Horizon. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercury Grand Marquis weights approximately 1073 kg more than 1979 Plymouth Horizon. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 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 2006 Mercury Grand Marquis. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1979 Plymouth Horizon, 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 Mercury Grand Marquis (373 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 258 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Plymouth Horizon. (115 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2006 Mercury Grand Marquis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Plymouth Horizon.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mercury Grand Marquis | 1979 Plymouth Horizon | |
| Make | Mercury | Plymouth |
| Model | Grand Marquis | Horizon |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4604 cc | 1715 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 224 HP | 62 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 373 Nm | 115 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2075 kg | 1002 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5390 mm | 4190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2920 mm | 2530 mm |
