2003 Dodge Dakota vs. 1974 Mercury Montego
To start off, 2003 Dodge Dakota is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Mercury Montego. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Mercury Montego would be higher. At 6,555 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 Mercury Montego is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Mercury Montego (168 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 2003 Dodge Dakota. (118 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Mercury Montego should accelerate faster than 2003 Dodge Dakota. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Mercury Montego weights approximately 323 kg more than 2003 Dodge Dakota. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 Dodge Dakota is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1974 Mercury Montego. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Dodge Dakota will offer significantly more control. 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, 1974 Mercury Montego (403 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 207 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Dodge Dakota. (196 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 1974 Mercury Montego will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Dodge Dakota. 1974 Mercury Montego has automatic transmission and 2003 Dodge Dakota has manual transmission. 2003 Dodge Dakota will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1974 Mercury Montego will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Dodge Dakota | 1974 Mercury Montego | |
| Make | Dodge | Mercury |
| Model | Dakota | Montego |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2458 cc | 6555 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 196 Nm | 403 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 3 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1536 kg | 1859 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4980 mm | 5840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 2000 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1670 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 3000 mm |
