1973 Mercury Montego vs. 1981 Ford Laser
To start off, 1981 Ford Laser is newer by 8 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 11 more horse power than 1981 Ford Laser. (85 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mercury Montego should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Laser. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercury Montego weights approximately 903 kg more than 1981 Ford Laser. 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, 1981 Ford Laser, 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 128 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Laser. (120 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1973 Mercury Montego will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Laser. 1981 Ford Laser has automatic transmission and 1973 Mercury Montego has manual transmission. 1973 Mercury Montego will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Ford Laser will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Mercury Montego | 1981 Ford Laser | |
| Make | Mercury | Ford |
| Model | Montego | Laser |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4095 cc | 1490 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 96 HP | 85 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 248 Nm | 120 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1695 kg | 792 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5300 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3010 mm | 2370 mm |
