1973 Mercury Montego vs. 2013 Mazda 3
To start off, 2013 Mazda 3 is newer by 40 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, 2013 Mazda 3 (155 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 1973 Mercury Montego. (96 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercury Montego. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercury Montego weights approximately 392 kg more than 2013 Mazda 3.
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, 2013 Mazda 3, 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 48 more torque (in Nm) than 2013 Mazda 3. (200 Nm @ 4100 RPM). This means 1973 Mercury Montego will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2013 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Mercury Montego | 2013 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Mercury | Mazda |
| Model | Montego | 3 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2013 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4095 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 96 HP | 155 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 248 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.6 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99.3 mm | 91 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 6 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1695 kg | 1303 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5300 mm | 4595 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1755 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3010 mm | 2640 mm |
