1976 Ford Cortina vs. 2004 Mercury Montego
To start off, 2004 Mercury Montego is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Ford Cortina would be higher. At 2,967 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Mercury Montego is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mercury Montego (197 HP @ 5650 RPM) has 124 more horse power than 1976 Ford Cortina. (73 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mercury Montego should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercury Montego weights approximately 541 kg more than 1976 Ford Cortina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1976 Ford Cortina 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 1976 Ford Cortina. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Mercury Montego, 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, 2004 Mercury Montego (272 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 155 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Cortina. (117 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 2004 Mercury Montego will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Cortina. 2004 Mercury Montego has automatic transmission and 1976 Ford Cortina has manual transmission. 1976 Ford Cortina will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Mercury Montego will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Ford Cortina | 2004 Mercury Montego | |
| Make | Ford | Mercury |
| Model | Cortina | Montego |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1593 cc | 2967 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 73 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5650 RPM |
| Torque | 117 Nm | 272 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1114 kg | 1655 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 5100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2870 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 72 L |
