2008 Chevrolet HHR vs. 1979 Mercury Grand Marquis
To start off, 2008 Chevrolet HHR is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Mercury Grand Marquis. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Mercury Grand Marquis would be higher. At 4,186 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Mercury Grand Marquis is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Chevrolet HHR (149 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 1979 Mercury Grand Marquis. (118 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Chevrolet HHR should accelerate faster than 1979 Mercury Grand Marquis. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mercury Grand Marquis weights approximately 605 kg more than 2008 Chevrolet HHR.
Because 1979 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 1979 Mercury Grand Marquis. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Chevrolet HHR, 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, 1979 Mercury Grand Marquis (262 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 56 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Chevrolet HHR. (206 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1979 Mercury Grand Marquis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Chevrolet HHR.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Chevrolet HHR | 1979 Mercury Grand Marquis | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mercury |
| Model | HHR | Grand Marquis |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2200 cc | 4186 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 149 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 206 Nm | 262 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1075 kg | 1680 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 5400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1980 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1610 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2910 mm |
