1971 Chevrolet Vega vs. 2004 Mercury Montego
To start off, 2004 Mercury Montego is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Chevrolet Vega. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Chevrolet Vega would be higher. At 2,967 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Mercury Montego is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mercury Montego (197 HP @ 5650 RPM) has 116 more horse power than 1971 Chevrolet Vega. (81 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mercury Montego should accelerate faster than 1971 Chevrolet Vega. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercury Montego weights approximately 650 kg more than 1971 Chevrolet Vega. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1971 Chevrolet Vega 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 1971 Chevrolet Vega. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Mercury Montego, 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, 2004 Mercury Montego (272 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 105 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Chevrolet Vega. (167 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2004 Mercury Montego will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Chevrolet Vega.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Chevrolet Vega | 2004 Mercury Montego | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mercury |
| Model | Vega | Montego |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2287 cc | 2967 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5650 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 272 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1005 kg | 1655 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 5100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 2870 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 42 L | 72 L |
