MPG for a 1979 Grand Marquis?
 

Hi everyone,

I'm new here. I've been in the works of buying a pretty well-kept '79 Grand Marquis, but since I'm a student, the gas is somewhat of a deciding factor. I've tried many different websites and information sources out there, but fueleconomy.gov (which seems to be the most reliable one) only goes as far back as 1984 model cars. Now, I'm not too familiar with engines, but I do know the engine names.

Here's what I do know:

In 1979, the Marquis line was downsized from the previous generation boats. The Marquis/Marquis Brougham/Grand Marquis remained until 1983, when the car altogether was rebranded as the Grand Marquis and the Marquis name was passed down to the new Fox-platform Ford LTD twin.

Here's my question: assuming the '79 I'm looking at has the standard 5.0L 302ci Windsor V8 engine, how many miles per gallon am I expected to get? Is this any different from the 1983-91 Grand Marquis?

Also, a somewhat-unrelated question: what was the difference between the '79-'82 Marquis Brougham and the '79-'82 Grand Marquis?

Fuelecconomy.gov says 15 MPG
 

Thanks. But I imagine that those numbers might be a little outdated, no? They're from when the car was brand new, and 31 years can do a considerable amount of difference. Is there anyone here on the forum who has a '79-'82 or has experience with them?

assuming it has the 302 and not the 255, you should expect between 15-20 mpg on how well the engine is maintained. different upgrades and gearing all play a factor in it. the cars came with gearing the rear that ranged from 2.55, 2.73, 3.08, 3.27, or if lucky a 3.55... more than likely, it has a 2.73 which is the highway gears and werent bad on driving on hwy for mileage

There was no 255 option in 1979. 302 or 351 only. Also there was no Grand Marquis, just the Marquis according to Kelly Blue Book (both points above).

To my understanding, the Marquis was the model name, while the Marquis Brougham and Grand Marquis were trim lines.

Yes,I think you are right. I am new to these,still learning.

I notice that Consumer Guide tested a 1975 Ford LTD with the 400 ci V-8 and averaged 9.5 MPG.