2003 Mazda Washu vs. 1973 Mercury Montego
To start off, 2003 Mazda Washu 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 Mazda Washu (238 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 142 more horse power than 1973 Mercury Montego. (96 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mazda Washu should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercury Montego. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercury Montego weights approximately 279 kg more than 2003 Mazda Washu.
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 Mazda Washu, 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 Mazda Washu (283 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Mercury Montego. (248 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2003 Mazda Washu will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Mercury Montego. 2003 Mazda Washu has automatic transmission and 1973 Mercury Montego has manual transmission. 1973 Mercury Montego will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Mazda Washu will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mazda Washu | 1973 Mercury Montego | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercury |
| Model | Washu | Montego |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3500 cc | 4095 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 238 HP | 96 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 283 Nm | 248 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 6 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1416 kg | 1695 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4840 mm | 5300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 2010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1580 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3210 mm | 3010 mm |
