1973 Mercury Montego vs. 2008 Toyota RAV4
To start off, 2008 Toyota RAV4 is newer by 35 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, 2008 Toyota RAV4 (175 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 1973 Mercury Montego. (96 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Toyota RAV4 should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercury Montego. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercury Montego weights approximately 25 kg more than 2008 Toyota RAV4.
Because 2008 Toyota RAV4 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, 2008 Toyota RAV4 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, 2008 Toyota RAV4 (400 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 152 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Mercury Montego. (248 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2008 Toyota RAV4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Mercury Montego.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Mercury Montego | 2008 Toyota RAV4 | |
| Make | Mercury | Toyota |
| Model | Montego | RAV4 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4095 cc | 2231 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 96 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 248 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.6 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99.3 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 15.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 6 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1695 kg | 1670 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5300 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1690 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3010 mm | 2570 mm |
