1974 Mercury Monterey vs. 2012 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Golf 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, 1974 Mercury Monterey (163 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. (104 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 Mercury Monterey should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Mercury Monterey weights approximately 429 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. 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 Volkswagen Golf, 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 133 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. (250 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 1974 Mercury Monterey will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. 1974 Mercury Monterey has automatic transmission and 2012 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 2012 Volkswagen Golf 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 | 2012 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Mercury | Volkswagen |
| Model | Monterey | Golf |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5769 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 383 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1930 kg | 1501 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5720 mm | 4246 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2030 mm | 1782 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1423 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3160 mm | 2578 mm |
