1974 Mercury Montego vs. 1976 Plymouth Trail Duster
To start off, 1976 Plymouth Trail Duster is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Mercury Montego. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Mercury Montego would be higher. At 6,555 cc (8 cylinders), 1976 Plymouth Trail Duster is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Plymouth Trail Duster (163 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 1974 Mercury Montego. (96 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1976 Plymouth Trail Duster should accelerate faster than 1974 Mercury Montego. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Plymouth Trail Duster weights approximately 125 kg more than 1974 Mercury Montego. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1976 Plymouth Trail Duster is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1974 Mercury Montego. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1976 Plymouth Trail Duster will offer significantly more control. 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, 1976 Plymouth Trail Duster (393 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 145 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Mercury Montego. (248 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 1976 Plymouth Trail Duster will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Mercury Montego.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Mercury Montego | 1976 Plymouth Trail Duster | |
| Make | Mercury | Plymouth |
| Model | Montego | Trail Duster |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4095 cc | 6555 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 96 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 248 Nm | 393 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Vehicle Weight | 1695 kg | 1820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5300 mm | 4700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 2030 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1890 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3010 mm | 2700 mm |
