1973 Mercury Montego vs. 2012 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 39 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, 2012 Volkswagen Passat (138 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 1973 Mercury Montego. (96 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercury Montego. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercury Montego weights approximately 101 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Passat.
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, 2012 Volkswagen Passat, 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, 2012 Volkswagen Passat (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 72 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Mercury Montego. (248 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Mercury Montego.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Mercury Montego | 2012 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Mercury | Volkswagen |
| Model | Montego | Passat |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4095 cc | 1400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 96 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 248 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 6 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1695 kg | 1594 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5300 mm | 4771 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1516 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3010 mm | 2712 mm |
