1973 Mercury Montego vs. 2004 Opel Vectra
To start off, 2004 Opel Vectra is newer by 31 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, 2004 Opel Vectra (123 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1973 Mercury Montego. (96 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Opel Vectra should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercury Montego. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercury Montego weights approximately 190 kg more than 2004 Opel Vectra.
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, 2004 Opel Vectra, 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, 2004 Opel Vectra (280 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 32 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Mercury Montego. (248 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2004 Opel Vectra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Mercury Montego.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Mercury Montego | 2004 Opel Vectra | |
| Make | Mercury | Opel |
| Model | Montego | Vectra |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4095 cc | 2169 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 96 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 248 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.6 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99.3 mm | 98 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 18.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 6 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1695 kg | 1505 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5300 mm | 4600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3010 mm | 2720 mm |
