1997 Dodge Dakota vs. 1972 Mercury Montego
To start off, 1997 Dodge Dakota is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Mercury Montego. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Mercury Montego would be higher. At 5,752 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Mercury Montego is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Mercury Montego (161 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 1997 Dodge Dakota. (118 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 Mercury Montego should accelerate faster than 1997 Dodge Dakota. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Mercury Montego weights approximately 455 kg more than 1997 Dodge Dakota. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1997 Dodge Dakota is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1972 Mercury Montego. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Dodge Dakota will offer significantly more control. 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, 1972 Mercury Montego (374 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 178 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Dodge Dakota. (196 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 1972 Mercury Montego will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Dodge Dakota. 1972 Mercury Montego has automatic transmission and 1997 Dodge Dakota has manual transmission. 1997 Dodge Dakota will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1972 Mercury Montego will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Dodge Dakota | 1972 Mercury Montego | |
| Make | Dodge | Mercury |
| Model | Dakota | Montego |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2458 cc | 5752 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 196 Nm | 374 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 3 seats | 6 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1530 kg | 1985 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4980 mm | 5480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 2030 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1670 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 3000 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 49 L | 78 L |
