1989 Austin Montego vs. 1996 TVR Chimaera
To start off, 1996 TVR Chimaera is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Austin Montego. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Austin Montego would be higher. At 3,946 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 TVR Chimaera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 TVR Chimaera (225 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 146 more horse power than 1989 Austin Montego. (79 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 TVR Chimaera should accelerate faster than 1989 Austin Montego. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Austin Montego weights approximately 125 kg more than 1996 TVR Chimaera.
Because 1996 TVR Chimaera 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 1996 TVR Chimaera. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Austin Montego, 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, 1996 TVR Chimaera (373 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 212 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Austin Montego. (161 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1996 TVR Chimaera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Austin Montego.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Austin Montego | 1996 TVR Chimaera | |
| Make | Austin | TVR |
| Model | Montego | Chimaera |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1994 cc | 3946 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 225 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 161 Nm | 373 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.6 mm | 94.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 71.1 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1150 kg | 1025 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 4030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1220 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2290 mm |
