1976 Ford Cortina vs. 2005 Mercury Monterey
To start off, 2005 Mercury Monterey is newer by 29 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 4,195 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Mercury Monterey is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercury Monterey (198 HP @ 4250 RPM) has 108 more horse power than 1976 Ford Cortina. (90 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercury Monterey should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercury Monterey weights approximately 935 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, 2005 Mercury Monterey, 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, 2005 Mercury Monterey (359 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 237 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Cortina. (122 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2005 Mercury Monterey will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Cortina. 2005 Mercury Monterey 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. 2005 Mercury Monterey will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Ford Cortina | 2005 Mercury Monterey | |
| Make | Ford | Mercury |
| Model | Cortina | Monterey |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1593 cc | 4195 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 198 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Torque | 122 Nm | 359 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.7 mm | 97.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 95 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1114 kg | 2049 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 5120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1950 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1750 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 3070 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 98 L |
