1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1972 Mercury Monterey
To start off, 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Mercury Monterey. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Mercury Monterey would be higher. At 5,769 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Mercury Monterey is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Mercury Monterey (164 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (112 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 Mercury Monterey should accelerate faster than 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Mercury Monterey weights approximately 905 kg more than 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1972 Mercury Monterey (383 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 259 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (124 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1972 Mercury Monterey will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 1972 Mercury Monterey has automatic transmission and 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1972 Mercury Monterey will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1972 Mercury Monterey | |
Make | Mazda | Mercury |
Model | MX-5 Miata | Monterey |
Year Released | 1998 | 1972 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1498 cc | 5769 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 112 HP | 164 HP |
Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
Torque | 124 Nm | 383 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Vehicle Weight | 1025 kg | 1930 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 5720 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 2030 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1380 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 3160 mm |