1973 Mercury Montego vs. 1988 Saab 9000
To start off, 1988 Saab 9000 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 Saab 9000 (175 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 1973 Mercury Montego. (96 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Saab 9000 should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercury Montego. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercury Montego weights approximately 362 kg more than 1988 Saab 9000.
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 Saab 9000, 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, 1988 Saab 9000 (278 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Mercury Montego. (248 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 1988 Saab 9000 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Mercury Montego.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Mercury Montego | 1988 Saab 9000 | |
| Make | Mercury | Saab |
| Model | Montego | 9000 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4095 cc | 1985 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 96 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 248 Nm | 278 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 6 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1695 kg | 1333 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5300 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3010 mm | 2670 mm |
