1973 Mercury Montego vs. 1978 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 1978 Volkswagen Polo is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mercury Montego. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mercury Montego would be higher. At 4,095 cc (6 cylinders), 1973 Mercury Montego is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Mercury Montego (96 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1978 Volkswagen Polo. (49 HP @ 5900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mercury Montego should accelerate faster than 1978 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercury Montego weights approximately 1010 kg more than 1978 Volkswagen Polo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1973 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 1973 Mercury Montego. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 Volkswagen Polo, 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, 1973 Mercury Montego (248 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 171 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volkswagen Polo. (77 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1973 Mercury Montego will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volkswagen Polo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Mercury Montego | 1978 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Mercury | Volkswagen |
| Model | Montego | Polo |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4095 cc | 1093 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 96 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 248 Nm | 77 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.6 mm | 69.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99.3 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 6 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1695 kg | 685 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5300 mm | 3510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1570 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3010 mm | 2340 mm |
