1973 Mercury Monterey vs. 2002 Acura CL
To start off, 2002 Acura CL is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mercury Monterey. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mercury Monterey would be higher. At 5,769 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Mercury Monterey is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Acura CL (260 HP @ 6900 RPM) has 97 more horse power than 1973 Mercury Monterey. (163 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Acura CL should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercury Monterey. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercury Monterey weights approximately 350 kg more than 2002 Acura CL.
Because 1973 Mercury Monterey 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 Monterey. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Acura CL, 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 Monterey (383 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 68 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Acura CL. (315 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1973 Mercury Monterey will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Acura CL.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Mercury Monterey | 2002 Acura CL | |
| Make | Mercury | Acura |
| Model | Monterey | CL |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5769 cc | 3210 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 260 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6900 RPM |
| Torque | 383 Nm | 315 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.7 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.8 mm | 86 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1930 kg | 1580 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5720 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2030 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3160 mm | 2580 mm |
