1981 Ford Fiesta vs. 1969 Mercury Montego
To start off, 1981 Ford Fiesta is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Mercury Montego. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Mercury Montego would be higher. At 4,945 cc (8 cylinders), 1969 Mercury Montego is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 Mercury Montego (142 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 103 more horse power than 1981 Ford Fiesta. (39 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1969 Mercury Montego should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1969 Mercury Montego weights approximately 1055 kg more than 1981 Ford Fiesta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1969 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 1969 Mercury Montego. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Ford Fiesta, 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, 1969 Mercury Montego (335 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 271 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Fiesta. (64 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1969 Mercury Montego will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Fiesta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Fiesta | 1969 Mercury Montego | |
| Make | Ford | Mercury |
| Model | Fiesta | Montego |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1969 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 957 cc | 4945 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 39 HP | 142 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 64 Nm | 335 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 55.7 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 6 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 720 kg | 1775 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3570 mm | 5300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 2010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 3010 mm |
