1972 Mercury Montego vs. 2012 Volkswagen Sharan
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Sharan is newer by 40 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 4,095 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 Mercury Montego is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Sharan (1,973 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 1876 more horse power than 1972 Mercury Montego. (97 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Sharan should accelerate faster than 1972 Mercury Montego. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Sharan weights approximately 95 kg more than 1972 Mercury Montego. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1972 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 1972 Mercury Montego. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Sharan, 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, 2012 Volkswagen Sharan (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 32 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Mercury Montego. (248 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Sharan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Mercury Montego. 2012 Volkswagen Sharan has automatic transmission and 1972 Mercury Montego has manual transmission. 1972 Mercury Montego will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Volkswagen Sharan will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Mercury Montego | 2012 Volkswagen Sharan | |
| Make | Mercury | Volkswagen |
| Model | Montego | Sharan |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4095 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 97 HP | 1973 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 248 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 6 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1695 kg | 1790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5300 mm | 4854 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1904 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1720 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3010 mm | 2919 mm |
