1973 Mercury Montego vs. 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass
To start off, 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass is newer by 15 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, 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass (124 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1973 Mercury Montego. (96 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercury Montego. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercury Montego weights approximately 255 kg more than 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass.
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, 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass, 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 31 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass. (217 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1973 Mercury Montego will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Mercury Montego | 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass | |
| Make | Mercury | Oldsmobile |
| Model | Montego | Cutlass |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4095 cc | 2835 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 96 HP | 124 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 248 Nm | 217 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 6 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1695 kg | 1440 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5300 mm | 4930 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3010 mm | 2740 mm |
