2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser vs. 1973 Mercury Montego
To start off, 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser is newer by 28 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, 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser (140 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1973 Mercury Montego. (96 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercury Montego. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercury Montego weights approximately 312 kg more than 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser.
Because 1973 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 1973 Mercury Montego. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser, 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, 1973 Mercury Montego (248 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 58 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser. (190 Nm @ 4150 RPM). This means 1973 Mercury Montego will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser | 1973 Mercury Montego | |
| Make | Chrysler | Mercury |
| Model | PT Cruiser | Montego |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1993 cc | 4095 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 96 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 248 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4150 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.4 mm | 93.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.3 mm | 99.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 6 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1383 kg | 1695 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 5300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 2010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1610 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 3010 mm |
