2002 Acura NSX vs. 1972 Mercury Monterey
To start off, 2002 Acura NSX is newer by 30 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, 2002 Acura NSX (286 HP @ 7100 RPM) has 122 more horse power than 1972 Mercury Monterey. (164 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Acura NSX should accelerate faster than 1972 Mercury Monterey. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Mercury Monterey weights approximately 478 kg more than 2002 Acura NSX.
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 79 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Acura NSX. (304 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1972 Mercury Monterey will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Acura NSX. 1972 Mercury Monterey has automatic transmission and 2002 Acura NSX has manual transmission. 2002 Acura NSX 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:
| 2002 Acura NSX | 1972 Mercury Monterey | |
| Make | Acura | Mercury |
| Model | NSX | Monterey |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3179 cc | 5769 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 286 HP | 164 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7100 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 304 Nm | 383 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1452 kg | 1930 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 5720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 2030 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 3160 mm |
