2003 Ford Ka vs. 1971 Mercury Montego
To start off, 2003 Ford Ka is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Mercury Montego. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Mercury Montego would be higher. At 4,095 cc (6 cylinders), 1971 Mercury Montego is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Mercury Montego (96 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 2003 Ford Ka. (94 HP @ 5650 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Mercury Montego should accelerate faster than 2003 Ford Ka. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Mercury Montego weights approximately 635 kg more than 2003 Ford Ka. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1971 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 1971 Mercury Montego. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Ford Ka, 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, 1971 Mercury Montego (248 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 113 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Ford Ka. (135 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1971 Mercury Montego will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Ford Ka.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ford Ka | 1971 Mercury Montego | |
| Make | Ford | Mercury |
| Model | Ka | Montego |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1594 cc | 4095 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 94 HP | 96 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5650 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 135 Nm | 248 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.1 mm | 93.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.5 mm | 99.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 6 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1060 kg | 1695 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3660 mm | 5300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 2010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 3010 mm |
