1974 Mercury Monterey vs. 2012 Chrysler Town & Country
To start off, 2012 Chrysler Town & Country is newer by 38 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, 2012 Chrysler Town & Country (283 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 120 more horse power than 1974 Mercury Monterey. (163 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Chrysler Town & Country should accelerate faster than 1974 Mercury Monterey. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Chrysler Town & Country weights approximately 180 kg more than 1974 Mercury Monterey. 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, 2012 Chrysler Town & Country, 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 31 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Chrysler Town & Country. (352 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1974 Mercury Monterey will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Chrysler Town & Country.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Mercury Monterey | 2012 Chrysler Town & Country | |
| Make | Mercury | Chrysler |
| Model | Monterey | Town & Country |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5769 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 283 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 383 Nm | 352 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Flex Fuel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1930 kg | 2110 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5720 mm | 5151 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2030 mm | 1999 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1725 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3160 mm | 3078 mm |
