1973 Mercury Montego vs. 2002 Ford Explorer
To start off, 2002 Ford Explorer 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 Ford Explorer (210 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 114 more horse power than 1973 Mercury Montego. (96 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Ford Explorer should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercury Montego. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Ford Explorer weights approximately 244 kg more than 1973 Mercury Montego. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2002 Ford Explorer is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1973 Mercury Montego. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Ford Explorer will offer significantly more control. 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 Ford Explorer (321 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 73 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Mercury Montego. (248 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2002 Ford Explorer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Mercury Montego. 2002 Ford Explorer 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 Ford Explorer will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Mercury Montego | 2002 Ford Explorer | |
| Make | Mercury | Ford |
| Model | Montego | Explorer |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4095 cc | 4016 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 96 HP | 210 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 248 Nm | 321 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.6 mm | 100.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99.3 mm | 84.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 6 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1695 kg | 1939 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5300 mm | 5240 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1790 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3010 mm | 3070 mm |
