1984 Ford Orion vs. 1971 Mercury Monterey
To start off, 1984 Ford Orion is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Mercury Monterey. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Mercury Monterey would be higher. At 5,768 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Mercury Monterey is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Mercury Monterey (163 HP) has 85 more horse power than 1984 Ford Orion. (78 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Mercury Monterey should accelerate faster than 1984 Ford Orion. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Mercury Monterey weights approximately 1024 kg more than 1984 Ford Orion. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1971 Mercury Monterey 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 1971 Mercury Monterey. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1984 Ford Orion, 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, 1971 Mercury Monterey (383 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 255 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Ford Orion. (128 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1971 Mercury Monterey will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Ford Orion.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Ford Orion | 1971 Mercury Monterey | |
| Make | Ford | Mercury |
| Model | Orion | Monterey |
| Year Released | 1984 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1597 cc | 5768 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 78 HP | 163 HP |
| Torque | 128 Nm | 383 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 88.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 906 kg | 1930 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 5720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 2030 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 3160 mm |
