2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser vs. 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis
To start off, 2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser is newer by 29 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, 2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser (231 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 92 more horse power than 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis. (139 HP @ 3200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser 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 303 kg more than 2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser.
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, 2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser, 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 21 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser. (332 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser | 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis | |
| Make | Chrysler | Mercury |
| Model | PT Cruiser | Grand Marquis |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2429 cc | 5766 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 231 HP | 139 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Torque | 332 Nm | 353 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1407 kg | 1710 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4300 mm | 5400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1980 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1610 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2910 mm |
