1996 Chevrolet Cavalier vs. 1971 Mercury Monterey
To start off, 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier is newer by 25 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 @ 3800 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier. (150 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Mercury Monterey should accelerate faster than 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Mercury Monterey weights approximately 743 kg more than 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier. 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, 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier, 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 173 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier. (210 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1971 Mercury Monterey will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier. 1971 Mercury Monterey has automatic transmission and 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier has manual transmission. 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1971 Mercury Monterey will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier | 1971 Mercury Monterey | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mercury |
| Model | Cavalier | Monterey |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2392 cc | 5768 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 383 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94 mm | 88.8 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1187 kg | 1930 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4600 mm | 5720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 2030 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 3160 mm |
