1981 Fiat Panda vs. 1973 Mercury Montego
To start off, 1981 Fiat Panda is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mercury Montego. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mercury Montego would be higher. At 6,555 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Mercury Montego is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Mercury Montego (169 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 135 more horse power than 1981 Fiat Panda. (34 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mercury Montego should accelerate faster than 1981 Fiat Panda. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercury Montego weights approximately 1101 kg more than 1981 Fiat Panda. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1973 Mercury Montego 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 1973 Mercury Montego. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Fiat Panda, 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, 1973 Mercury Montego (403 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 345 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Fiat Panda. (58 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1973 Mercury Montego will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Fiat Panda.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Fiat Panda | 1973 Mercury Montego | |
| Make | Fiat | Mercury |
| Model | Panda | Montego |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 843 cc | 6555 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 34 HP | 169 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 58 Nm | 403 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 58 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 690 kg | 1791 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3420 mm | 5290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1500 mm | 2000 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2170 mm | 2900 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 85 L |
