1973 Mercury Montego vs. 1996 Volvo S40
To start off, 1996 Volvo S40 is newer by 23 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, 1996 Volvo S40 (138 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 1973 Mercury Montego. (96 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Volvo S40 should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercury Montego. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercury Montego weights approximately 477 kg more than 1996 Volvo S40.
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, 1996 Volvo S40, 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 65 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Volvo S40. (183 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1973 Mercury Montego will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Volvo S40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Mercury Montego | 1996 Volvo S40 | |
| Make | Mercury | Volvo |
| Model | Montego | S40 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4095 cc | 1948 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 96 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 248 Nm | 183 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.6 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99.3 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 6 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1695 kg | 1218 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5300 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3010 mm | 2560 mm |
