2001 Ford Explorer vs. 1973 Mercury Montego
To start off, 2001 Ford Explorer 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 5,000 cc (8 cylinders), 2001 Ford Explorer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Ford Explorer (153 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 1973 Mercury Montego. (96 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Ford Explorer should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercury Montego. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercury Montego weights approximately 397 kg more than 2001 Ford Explorer.
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 Ford Explorer, 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, 2001 Ford Explorer (305 Nm) has 57 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Mercury Montego. (248 Nm). This means 2001 Ford Explorer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Mercury Montego. 2001 Ford Explorer 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. 2001 Ford Explorer will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Ford Explorer | 1973 Mercury Montego | |
| Make | Ford | Mercury |
| Model | Explorer | Montego |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5000 cc | 4095 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 96 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 248 Nm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 6 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1298 kg | 1695 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 5300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 2010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1720 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 3010 mm |
