1971 Mercury Montego vs. 1996 Volvo 850
To start off, 1996 Volvo 850 is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Mercury Montego. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Mercury Montego would be higher. At 4,095 cc (6 cylinders), 1971 Mercury Montego is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Volvo 850 (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 1971 Mercury Montego. (96 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Volvo 850 should accelerate faster than 1971 Mercury Montego. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Mercury Montego weights approximately 238 kg more than 1996 Volvo 850.
Because 1971 Mercury Montego 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 Mercury Montego. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Volvo 850, 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, 1996 Volvo 850 (290 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 42 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Mercury Montego. (248 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 1996 Volvo 850 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Mercury Montego.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Mercury Montego | 1996 Volvo 850 | |
| Make | Mercury | Volvo |
| Model | Montego | 850 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4095 cc | 2461 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 96 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 248 Nm | 290 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 6 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1695 kg | 1457 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5300 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3010 mm | 2670 mm |
