1961 Fiat 850 vs. 1973 Mercury Monterey
To start off, 1973 Mercury Monterey is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Fiat 850. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Fiat 850 would be higher. At 5,769 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Mercury Monterey is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Mercury Monterey (163 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 112 more horse power than 1961 Fiat 850. (51 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mercury Monterey should accelerate faster than 1961 Fiat 850. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercury Monterey weights approximately 1317 kg more than 1961 Fiat 850. 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, 1973 Mercury Monterey (383 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 314 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Fiat 850. (69 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1973 Mercury Monterey will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Fiat 850.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Fiat 850 | 1973 Mercury Monterey | |
| Make | Fiat | Mercury |
| Model | 850 | Monterey |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 847 cc | 5769 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 69 Nm | 383 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 613 kg | 1930 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3290 mm | 5720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 2030 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 3160 mm |
