1973 Mercury Montego vs. 2002 Acura CL
To start off, 2002 Acura CL is newer by 29 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, 2002 Acura CL (260 HP @ 6900 RPM) has 164 more horse power than 1973 Mercury Montego. (96 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Acura CL should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercury Montego. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercury Montego weights approximately 115 kg more than 2002 Acura CL.
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, 2002 Acura CL, 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, 2002 Acura CL (315 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 67 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Mercury Montego. (248 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2002 Acura CL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Mercury Montego. 2002 Acura CL 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. 2002 Acura CL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Mercury Montego | 2002 Acura CL | |
| Make | Mercury | Acura |
| Model | Montego | CL |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4095 cc | 3210 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 96 HP | 260 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 6900 RPM |
| Torque | 248 Nm | 315 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.6 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99.3 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 6 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1695 kg | 1580 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5300 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3010 mm | 2580 mm |
