1974 Mercury Monterey vs. 1981 Renault 14
To start off, 1981 Renault 14 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Mercury Monterey. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Mercury Monterey would be higher. At 5,769 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 Mercury Monterey is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Mercury Monterey (163 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 106 more horse power than 1981 Renault 14. (57 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 Mercury Monterey should accelerate faster than 1981 Renault 14. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Mercury Monterey weights approximately 1065 kg more than 1981 Renault 14. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 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 1974 Mercury Monterey. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Renault 14, 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 Monterey (383 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 291 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Renault 14. (92 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1974 Mercury Monterey will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Renault 14. 1974 Mercury Monterey has automatic transmission and 1981 Renault 14 has manual transmission. 1981 Renault 14 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1974 Mercury Monterey will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Mercury Monterey | 1981 Renault 14 | |
| Make | Mercury | Renault |
| Model | Monterey | 14 |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5769 cc | 1218 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 57 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 383 Nm | 92 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1930 kg | 865 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5720 mm | 4030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2030 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3160 mm | 2410 mm |
