1972 Mercury Monterey vs. 2008 Opel Vectra
To start off, 2008 Opel Vectra is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Mercury Monterey. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Mercury Monterey would be higher. At 5,769 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Mercury Monterey is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Opel Vectra (208 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1972 Mercury Monterey. (164 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Opel Vectra should accelerate faster than 1972 Mercury Monterey. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Mercury Monterey weights approximately 406 kg more than 2008 Opel Vectra.
Because 1972 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 1972 Mercury Monterey. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Opel Vectra, 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, 1972 Mercury Monterey (383 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 83 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Opel Vectra. (300 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1972 Mercury Monterey will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Opel Vectra. 1972 Mercury Monterey has automatic transmission and 2008 Opel Vectra has manual transmission. 2008 Opel Vectra will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1972 Mercury Monterey will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Mercury Monterey | 2008 Opel Vectra | |
| Make | Mercury | Opel |
| Model | Monterey | Vectra |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5769 cc | 3175 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 164 HP | 208 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 383 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.8 mm | 88 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1930 kg | 1524 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5720 mm | 4600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2030 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3160 mm | 2710 mm |
