1974 Mercury Monterey vs. 2008 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2008 Nissan Altima is newer by 34 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, 2008 Nissan Altima (175 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1974 Mercury Monterey. (163 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 1974 Mercury Monterey. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Mercury Monterey weights approximately 390 kg more than 2008 Nissan Altima.
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, 2008 Nissan Altima, 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 139 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Nissan Altima. (244 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 1974 Mercury Monterey will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Nissan Altima. 1974 Mercury Monterey has automatic transmission and 2008 Nissan Altima has manual transmission. 2008 Nissan Altima 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 | 2008 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | Mercury | Nissan |
| Model | Monterey | Altima |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5769 cc | 2491 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 383 Nm | 244 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1930 kg | 1540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5720 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2030 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3160 mm | 2780 mm |
