2009 Ford Mondeo vs. 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis
To start off, 2009 Ford Mondeo 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 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford Mondeo (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis. (129 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Mondeo 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 114 kg more than 2009 Ford Mondeo.
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, 2009 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, 2009 Ford Mondeo (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis. (303 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Mondeo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Mondeo | 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis | |
| Make | Ford | Mercury |
| Model | Mondeo | Grand Marquis |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 303 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1576 kg | 1690 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4840 mm | 5400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1980 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1550 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2910 mm |
