1971 Mercury Monterey vs. 1996 Mercury Mystique
To start off, 1996 Mercury Mystique is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Mercury Monterey. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Mercury Monterey would be higher. At 5,768 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Mercury Monterey is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Mercury Monterey (163 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 1996 Mercury Mystique. (130 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Mercury Monterey should accelerate faster than 1996 Mercury Mystique. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Mercury Monterey weights approximately 688 kg more than 1996 Mercury Mystique. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1971 Mercury Monterey 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 Monterey. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Mercury Mystique, 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, 1971 Mercury Monterey (383 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 203 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mercury Mystique. (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1971 Mercury Monterey will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mercury Mystique.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Mercury Monterey | 1996 Mercury Mystique | |
| Make | Mercury | Mercury |
| Model | Monterey | Mystique |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5768 cc | 1989 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 130 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 383 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1930 kg | 1242 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5720 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2030 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3160 mm | 2710 mm |
