1974 Mercury Monterey vs. 2011 Alfa Romeo 159
To start off, 2011 Alfa Romeo 159 is newer by 37 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 45 more horse power than 2011 Alfa Romeo 159. (118 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 Mercury Monterey should accelerate faster than 2011 Alfa Romeo 159. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Mercury Monterey weights approximately 280 kg more than 2011 Alfa Romeo 159. 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, 2011 Alfa Romeo 159, 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 102 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Alfa Romeo 159. (281 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1974 Mercury Monterey will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Alfa Romeo 159. 1974 Mercury Monterey has automatic transmission and 2011 Alfa Romeo 159 has manual transmission. 2011 Alfa Romeo 159 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 | 2011 Alfa Romeo 159 | |
| Make | Mercury | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | Monterey | 159 |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5769 cc | 1910 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 383 Nm | 281 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1930 kg | 1650 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5720 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2030 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3160 mm | 2710 mm |
