2003 Ford Taurus vs. 1974 Mercury Montego
To start off, 2003 Ford Taurus 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 13 more horse power than 2003 Ford Taurus. (155 HP @ 4900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Mercury Montego should accelerate faster than 2003 Ford Taurus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Mercury Montego weights approximately 274 kg more than 2003 Ford Taurus. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 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 1974 Mercury Montego. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Ford Taurus, 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, 1974 Mercury Montego (403 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 159 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Ford Taurus. (244 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 1974 Mercury Montego will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Ford Taurus.
Compare all specifications:
2003 Ford Taurus | 1974 Mercury Montego | |
Make | Ford | Mercury |
Model | Taurus | Montego |
Year Released | 2003 | 1974 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2967 cc | 6555 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | V |
Horse Power | 155 HP | 168 HP |
Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 4200 RPM |
Torque | 244 Nm | 403 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 2200 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 88.9 mm | 101.7 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 78.7 mm | 101.6 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.4:1 |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1585 kg | 1859 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 5840 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 2000 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1340 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 3000 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 87 L |