2009 Mazda Tribute vs. 1979 Mercury Grand Marquis
To start off, 2009 Mazda Tribute is newer by 30 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, 2009 Mazda Tribute (171 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1979 Mercury Grand Marquis. (118 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda Tribute 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 555 kg more than 2009 Mazda Tribute.
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, 2009 Mazda Tribute, 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 29 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda Tribute. (233 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1979 Mercury Grand Marquis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mazda Tribute.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mazda Tribute | 1979 Mercury Grand Marquis | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercury |
| Model | Tribute | Grand Marquis |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1979 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2483 cc | 4186 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 171 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 233 Nm | 262 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1125 kg | 1680 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 5400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1980 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1730 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2910 mm |
