2003 Mazda Roadster vs. 1973 Mercury Montego
To start off, 2003 Mazda Roadster 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, 1973 Mercury Montego (169 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 2003 Mazda Roadster. (123 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mercury Montego should accelerate faster than 2003 Mazda Roadster. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercury Montego weights approximately 761 kg more than 2003 Mazda Roadster. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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 261 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mazda Roadster. (142 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1973 Mercury Montego will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mazda Roadster. 1973 Mercury Montego has automatic transmission and 2003 Mazda Roadster has manual transmission. 2003 Mazda Roadster will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1973 Mercury Montego will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mazda Roadster | 1973 Mercury Montego | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercury |
| Model | Roadster | Montego |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 6555 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 169 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 142 Nm | 403 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.6 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 8.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 1791 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 5290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 2000 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2900 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 85 L |
