1972 Mercury Montego vs. 2013 Kia Optima
To start off, 2013 Kia Optima is newer by 41 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, 2013 Kia Optima (197 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 100 more horse power than 1972 Mercury Montego. (97 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Kia Optima should accelerate faster than 1972 Mercury Montego. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Mercury Montego weights approximately 241 kg more than 2013 Kia Optima.
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, 2013 Kia Optima, 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, 2013 Kia Optima (252 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Mercury Montego. (248 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2013 Kia Optima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Mercury Montego.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Mercury Montego | 2013 Kia Optima | |
| Make | Mercury | Kia |
| Model | Montego | Optima |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2013 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4095 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 97 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 248 Nm | 252 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.5 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99.3 mm | 97 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 6 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1695 kg | 1454 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5300 mm | 4845 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1455 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3010 mm | 2795 mm |
