1988 Buick Reatta vs. 1973 Mercury Montego
To start off, 1988 Buick Reatta is newer by 15 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 4,095 cc (6 cylinders), 1973 Mercury Montego is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Buick Reatta (165 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 69 more horse power than 1973 Mercury Montego. (96 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Buick Reatta should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercury Montego. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercury Montego weights approximately 159 kg more than 1988 Buick Reatta.
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, 1988 Buick Reatta, 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, 1988 Buick Reatta (285 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 37 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Mercury Montego. (248 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 1988 Buick Reatta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Mercury Montego. 1988 Buick Reatta has automatic transmission and 1973 Mercury Montego has manual transmission. 1973 Mercury Montego will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1988 Buick Reatta will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Buick Reatta | 1973 Mercury Montego | |
| Make | Buick | Mercury |
| Model | Reatta | Montego |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 4095 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 165 HP | 96 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 248 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 93.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 99.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 6 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1536 kg | 1695 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 5300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 2010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 3010 mm |
