1973 Mercury Montego vs. 2002 Nissan Maxima
To start off, 2002 Nissan Maxima 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 Nissan Maxima (138 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 1973 Mercury Montego. (96 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Nissan Maxima should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercury Montego. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercury Montego weights approximately 280 kg more than 2002 Nissan Maxima.
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 Nissan Maxima, 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 67 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Nissan Maxima. (181 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1973 Mercury Montego will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Nissan Maxima. 2002 Nissan Maxima 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 Nissan Maxima will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Mercury Montego | 2002 Nissan Maxima | |
| Make | Mercury | Nissan |
| Model | Montego | Maxima |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4095 cc | 1993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 96 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 248 Nm | 181 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 6 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1695 kg | 1415 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5300 mm | 4930 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3010 mm | 2760 mm |
