2003 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1973 Mercury Montego
To start off, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 30 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 6,555 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Mercury Montego is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 (189 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1973 Mercury Montego. (169 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercury Montego. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercury Montego weights approximately 357 kg more than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156.
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, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156, 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 (403 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 185 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. (218 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1973 Mercury Montego will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1973 Mercury Montego | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mercury |
| Model | 156 | Montego |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2387 cc | 6555 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 169 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 403 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 68.3 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 8.4:1 |
| Top Speed | 230 km/hour | 185 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1434 kg | 1791 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 5290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 2000 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2900 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 85 L |
