2008 Ford Mondeo vs. 1979 Mercury Grand Marquis
To start off, 2008 Ford Mondeo 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 Ford Mondeo (217 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 99 more horse power than 1979 Mercury Grand Marquis. (118 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford Mondeo 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 49 kg more than 2008 Ford Mondeo.
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 Ford Mondeo, 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, 2008 Ford Mondeo (320 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 58 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mercury Grand Marquis. (262 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2008 Ford Mondeo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mercury Grand Marquis.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ford Mondeo | 1979 Mercury Grand Marquis | |
| Make | Ford | Mercury |
| Model | Mondeo | Grand Marquis |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2521 cc | 4186 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 217 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 262 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1500 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 | 1631 kg | 1680 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 5400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1980 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2910 mm |
