1987 Alfa Romeo 164 vs. 1974 Mercury Monterey
To start off, 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Mercury Monterey. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Mercury Monterey would be higher. At 5,769 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 Mercury Monterey is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 (192 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 1974 Mercury Monterey. (163 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 should accelerate faster than 1974 Mercury Monterey. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Mercury Monterey weights approximately 565 kg more than 1987 Alfa Romeo 164.
Because 1974 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 1974 Mercury Monterey. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1987 Alfa Romeo 164, 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, 1974 Mercury Monterey (383 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 138 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Alfa Romeo 164. (245 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1974 Mercury Monterey will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Alfa Romeo 164. 1974 Mercury Monterey has automatic transmission and 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 has manual transmission. 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1974 Mercury Monterey will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 | 1974 Mercury Monterey | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mercury |
| Model | 164 | Monterey |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2959 cc | 5769 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 192 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 383 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1365 kg | 1930 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4650 mm | 5720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 2030 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 3160 mm |
