1973 Mercury Monterey vs. 2003 Renault Megane
To start off, 2003 Renault Megane is newer by 30 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, 1973 Mercury Monterey (163 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 2003 Renault Megane. (132 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mercury Monterey should accelerate faster than 2003 Renault Megane. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercury Monterey weights approximately 640 kg more than 2003 Renault Megane. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2003 Renault Megane, 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 192 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Renault Megane. (191 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1973 Mercury Monterey will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Renault Megane. 1973 Mercury Monterey has automatic transmission and 2003 Renault Megane has manual transmission. 2003 Renault Megane will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1973 Mercury Monterey will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Mercury Monterey | 2003 Renault Megane | |
| Make | Mercury | Renault |
| Model | Monterey | Megane |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5769 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 132 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 383 Nm | 191 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.7 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.8 mm | 93 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1930 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5720 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2030 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3160 mm | 2750 mm |
