1997 BMW Z3 vs. 1973 Mercury Montego
To start off, 1997 BMW Z3 is newer by 24 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, 1997 BMW Z3 (333 HP @ 7500 RPM) has 237 more horse power than 1973 Mercury Montego. (96 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 BMW Z3 should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercury Montego. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercury Montego weights approximately 302 kg more than 1997 BMW Z3.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1997 BMW Z3 (355 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 107 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Mercury Montego. (248 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 1997 BMW Z3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Mercury Montego.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 BMW Z3 | 1973 Mercury Montego | |
| Make | BMW | Mercury |
| Model | Z3 | Montego |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3245 cc | 4095 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 333 HP | 96 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 355 Nm | 248 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.4 mm | 93.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.6 mm | 99.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 6 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1393 kg | 1695 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 5300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 2010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 3010 mm |
