1977 Fiat 131 vs. 2004 Mercury Montego
To start off, 2004 Mercury Montego is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Fiat 131. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Fiat 131 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 133 more horse power than 1977 Fiat 131. (64 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mercury Montego should accelerate faster than 1977 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercury Montego weights approximately 635 kg more than 1977 Fiat 131. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1977 Fiat 131 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 1977 Fiat 131. 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 170 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Fiat 131. (102 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2004 Mercury Montego will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Fiat 131. 2004 Mercury Montego has automatic transmission and 1977 Fiat 131 has manual transmission. 1977 Fiat 131 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:
| 1977 Fiat 131 | 2004 Mercury Montego | |
| Make | Fiat | Mercury |
| Model | 131 | Montego |
| Year Released | 1977 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 2967 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 64 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5650 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 272 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 1655 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 5100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2870 mm |
