1974 Mercury Montego vs. 2011 Kia Optima
To start off, 2011 Kia Optima is newer by 37 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), 1974 Mercury Montego is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Kia Optima (274 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 106 more horse power than 1974 Mercury Montego. (168 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Kia Optima should accelerate faster than 1974 Mercury Montego. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Mercury Montego weights approximately 324 kg more than 2011 Kia Optima.
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, 2011 Kia Optima, 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 (403 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 39 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Kia Optima. (364 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 1974 Mercury Montego will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Kia Optima.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Mercury Montego | 2011 Kia Optima | |
| Make | Mercury | Kia |
| Model | Montego | Optima |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6555 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 274 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 403 Nm | 364 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1859 kg | 1535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5840 mm | 4844 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2000 mm | 1831 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1455 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2797 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 87 L | 70 L |
