1954 Mercury Montclair vs. 1974 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1974 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1954 Mercury Montclair. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1954 Mercury Montclair would be higher. At 4,192 cc (8 cylinders), 1954 Mercury Montclair is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1954 Mercury Montclair (158 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 84 more horse power than 1974 Volkswagen Passat. (74 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1954 Mercury Montclair should accelerate faster than 1974 Volkswagen Passat.
Because 1954 Mercury Montclair 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 1954 Mercury Montclair. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1974 Volkswagen Passat, 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, 1954 Mercury Montclair (323 Nm) has 202 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Volkswagen Passat. (121 Nm). This means 1954 Mercury Montclair will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1954 Mercury Montclair | 1974 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Mercury | Volkswagen |
| Model | Montclair | Passat |
| Year Released | 1954 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4192 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 323 Nm | 121 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 92.1 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 80 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 5250 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2980 mm | 2480 mm |
