2003 Fiat Idea vs. 1973 Mercury Montego
To start off, 2003 Fiat Idea 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 4,095 cc (6 cylinders), 1973 Mercury Montego is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Fiat Idea (100 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1973 Mercury Montego. (96 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Fiat Idea should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercury Montego. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercury Montego weights approximately 420 kg more than 2003 Fiat Idea.
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 Fiat Idea, 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, 2003 Fiat Idea (255 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Mercury Montego. (248 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2003 Fiat Idea will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Mercury Montego.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Fiat Idea | 1973 Mercury Montego | |
| Make | Fiat | Mercury |
| Model | Idea | Montego |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 4095 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 96 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 255 Nm | 248 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.1 mm | 93.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.4 mm | 99.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 6 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1275 kg | 1695 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3940 mm | 5300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 2010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1670 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 3010 mm |
