1971 Mercury Monterey vs. 2012 GMC Sierra
To start off, 2012 GMC Sierra is newer by 41 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 5,999 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 GMC Sierra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 GMC Sierra (353 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 190 more horse power than 1971 Mercury Monterey. (163 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 GMC Sierra should accelerate faster than 1971 Mercury Monterey. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 GMC Sierra weights approximately 505 kg more than 1971 Mercury Monterey. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 GMC Sierra is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1971 Mercury Monterey. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 GMC Sierra will offer significantly more control. 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, 2012 GMC Sierra (506 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 123 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Mercury Monterey. (383 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2012 GMC Sierra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Mercury Monterey.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Mercury Monterey | 2012 GMC Sierra | |
| Make | Mercury | GMC |
| Model | Monterey | Sierra |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5768 cc | 5999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 353 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 383 Nm | 506 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1930 kg | 2435 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5720 mm | 6340 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2030 mm | 2040 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1950 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3160 mm | 4010 mm |
