1974 Mazda RX-3 vs. 2005 Mercury Monterey
To start off, 2005 Mercury Monterey is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Mazda RX-3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Mazda RX-3 would be higher. At 4,195 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Mercury Monterey is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercury Monterey (198 HP @ 4250 RPM) has 98 more horse power than 1974 Mazda RX-3. (100 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercury Monterey should accelerate faster than 1974 Mazda RX-3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercury Monterey weights approximately 1199 kg more than 1974 Mazda RX-3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 Mazda RX-3 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 1974 Mazda RX-3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Mercury Monterey, 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, 2005 Mercury Monterey (359 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 224 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Mazda RX-3. (135 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2005 Mercury Monterey will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Mazda RX-3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Mazda RX-3 | 2005 Mercury Monterey | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercury |
| Model | RX-3 | Monterey |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1962 cc | 4195 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | V |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 198 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Torque | 135 Nm | 359 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 850 kg | 2049 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4090 mm | 5120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1950 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1750 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2320 mm | 3070 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 98 L |
