1974 Mercury Montego vs. 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass
To start off, 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass is newer by 14 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 4,095 cc (6 cylinders), 1974 Mercury Montego is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass (163 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 1974 Mercury Montego. (96 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass should accelerate faster than 1974 Mercury Montego. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Mercury Montego weights approximately 495 kg more than 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass.
Because 1974 Mercury Montego 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 Mercury Montego. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass, 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, 1974 Mercury Montego (248 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass. (237 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1974 Mercury Montego will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Mercury Montego | 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass | |
| Make | Mercury | Oldsmobile |
| Model | Montego | Cutlass |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4095 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 96 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 248 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1695 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5300 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3010 mm | 2640 mm |
