1987 Lada Samara vs. 1974 Mercury Montego
To start off, 1987 Lada Samara is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Mercury Montego. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Mercury Montego would be higher. At 6,555 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 Mercury Montego is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Mercury Montego (168 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 104 more horse power than 1987 Lada Samara. (64 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Mercury Montego should accelerate faster than 1987 Lada Samara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Mercury Montego weights approximately 959 kg more than 1987 Lada Samara. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 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 1974 Mercury Montego. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1987 Lada Samara, 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 Montego (403 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 307 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Lada Samara. (96 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1974 Mercury Montego will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Lada Samara. 1974 Mercury Montego has automatic transmission and 1987 Lada Samara has manual transmission. 1987 Lada Samara will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1974 Mercury Montego will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Lada Samara | 1974 Mercury Montego | |
| Make | Lada | Mercury |
| Model | Samara | Montego |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1288 cc | 6555 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 64 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 96 Nm | 403 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76 mm | 101.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 | 8.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 900 kg | 1859 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4010 mm | 5840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 2000 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 3000 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 43 L | 87 L |
