1972 Mercury Montego vs. 2001 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2001 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Mercury Montego. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Mercury Montego would be higher. At 5,752 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Mercury Montego is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Pontiac Firebird (325 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 164 more horse power than 1972 Mercury Montego. (161 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1972 Mercury Montego. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Mercury Montego weights approximately 457 kg more than 2001 Pontiac Firebird.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2001 Pontiac Firebird (475 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 101 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Mercury Montego. (374 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2001 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Mercury Montego.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Mercury Montego | 2001 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Mercury | Pontiac |
| Model | Montego | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5752 cc | 5665 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 161 HP | 325 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 374 Nm | 475 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 10.1:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 6 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1985 kg | 1528 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2030 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2570 mm |
