1973 Mercury Monterey vs. 2005 Saturn Relay
To start off, 2005 Saturn Relay is newer by 32 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, 2005 Saturn Relay (200 HP) has 37 more horse power than 1973 Mercury Monterey. (163 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Saturn Relay should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercury Monterey. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Saturn Relay weights approximately 16 kg more than 1973 Mercury Monterey. 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, 2005 Saturn Relay, 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) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Saturn Relay. (298 Nm). This means 1973 Mercury Monterey will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Saturn Relay.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Mercury Monterey | 2005 Saturn Relay | |
| Make | Mercury | Saturn |
| Model | Monterey | Relay |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5769 cc | 3490 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 200 HP |
| Torque | 383 Nm | 298 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.7 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.8 mm | 84 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1930 kg | 1946 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5720 mm | 5210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2030 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1840 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3160 mm | 3080 mm |
