1968 Mercury Montclair vs. 1997 Renault Safrane
To start off, 1997 Renault Safrane is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Mercury Montclair. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Mercury Montclair would be higher. At 6,393 cc (8 cylinders), 1968 Mercury Montclair is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Mercury Montclair (267 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 125 more horse power than 1997 Renault Safrane. (142 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1968 Mercury Montclair should accelerate faster than 1997 Renault Safrane. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Mercury Montclair weights approximately 473 kg more than 1997 Renault Safrane. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1968 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 1968 Mercury Montclair. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Renault Safrane, 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, 1968 Mercury Montclair (546 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 346 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Renault Safrane. (200 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1968 Mercury Montclair will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Renault Safrane.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Mercury Montclair | 1997 Renault Safrane | |
| Make | Mercury | Renault |
| Model | Montclair | Safrane |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6393 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 267 HP | 142 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 546 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 103 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 93 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1998 kg | 1525 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5560 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3130 mm | 2770 mm |
