1998 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1973 Mercury Montego
To start off, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 25 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 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (349 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 253 more horse power than 1973 Mercury Montego. (96 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercury Montego. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 125 kg more than 1973 Mercury Montego. 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, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (530 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 282 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Mercury Montego. (248 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Mercury Montego. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1973 Mercury Montego has manual transmission. 1973 Mercury Montego will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | 1973 Mercury Montego | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercury |
| Model | SL | Montego |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5439 cc | 4095 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 349 HP | 96 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 530 Nm | 248 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 97 mm | 93.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 99.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 6 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1820 kg | 1695 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 5300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 2010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 3010 mm |
