1997 Holden Nova vs. 1972 Mercury Montego
To start off, 1997 Holden Nova 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 4,095 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 Mercury Montego is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Holden Nova (106 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1972 Mercury Montego. (97 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Holden Nova should accelerate faster than 1972 Mercury Montego. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Mercury Montego weights approximately 630 kg more than 1997 Holden Nova.
Because 1972 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 1972 Mercury Montego. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Holden Nova, 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, 1972 Mercury Montego (248 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 113 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Holden Nova. (135 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1972 Mercury Montego will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Holden Nova.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Holden Nova | 1972 Mercury Montego | |
| Make | Holden | Mercury |
| Model | Nova | Montego |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1587 cc | 4095 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 106 HP | 97 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 135 Nm | 248 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1065 kg | 1695 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 5300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 2010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 3010 mm |
