2009 Chrysler 300 vs. 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis
To start off, 2009 Chrysler 300 is newer by 31 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 6,059 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Chrysler 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Chrysler 300 (424 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 295 more horse power than 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis. (129 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Chrysler 300 should accelerate faster than 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Chrysler 300 weights approximately 345 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.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2009 Chrysler 300 (569 Nm @ 480 RPM) has 266 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis. (303 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2009 Chrysler 300 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Chrysler 300 | 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis | |
| Make | Chrysler | Mercury |
| Model | 300 | Grand Marquis |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6059 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 424 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 569 Nm | 303 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 480 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 103 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.9 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2035 kg | 1690 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5020 mm | 5400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1980 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3050 mm | 2910 mm |
