1971 Mercury Monterey vs. 2003 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 2003 Volkswagen Polo is newer by 32 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 65 more horse power than 2003 Volkswagen Polo. (98 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Mercury Monterey should accelerate faster than 2003 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Mercury Monterey weights approximately 824 kg more than 2003 Volkswagen Polo. 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, 2003 Volkswagen Polo, 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 143 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Volkswagen Polo. (240 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1971 Mercury Monterey will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Volkswagen Polo. 1971 Mercury Monterey has automatic transmission and 2003 Volkswagen Polo has manual transmission. 2003 Volkswagen Polo will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1971 Mercury Monterey will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Mercury Monterey | 2003 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Mercury | Volkswagen |
| Model | Monterey | Polo |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5768 cc | 1895 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 98 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 383 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.8 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1930 kg | 1106 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5720 mm | 3910 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2030 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3160 mm | 2590 mm |
