2003 Mercury Monterey vs. 1972 Reliant Scimitar

To start off, 2003 Mercury Monterey is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Reliant Scimitar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Reliant Scimitar would be higher. At 4,194 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Mercury Monterey is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercury Monterey (198 HP @ 4250 RPM) has 75 more horse power than 1972 Reliant Scimitar. (123 HP @ 4750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercury Monterey should accelerate faster than 1972 Reliant Scimitar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercury Monterey weights approximately 820 kg more than 1972 Reliant Scimitar. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.

Because 1972 Reliant Scimitar 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 1972 Reliant Scimitar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Mercury Monterey, 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 Mercury Monterey (359 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 93 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Reliant Scimitar. (266 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2003 Mercury Monterey will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Reliant Scimitar. 2003 Mercury Monterey has automatic transmission and 1972 Reliant Scimitar has manual transmission. 1972 Reliant Scimitar will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Mercury Monterey will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.

Compare all specifications:

2003 Mercury Monterey 1972 Reliant Scimitar
Make Mercury Reliant
Model Monterey Scimitar
Year Released 2003 1972
Body Type Minivan Coupe
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 4194 cc 2994 cc
Engine Cylinders 6 cylinders 6 cylinders
Engine Type V in-line
Horse Power 198 HP 123 HP
Engine RPM 4250 RPM 4750 RPM
Torque 359 Nm 266 Nm
Torque RPM 3500 RPM 3000 RPM
Fuel Type Gasoline Gasoline
Drive Type Front Rear
Transmission Type Automatic Manual
Number of Seats 7 seats 5 seats
Number of Doors 4 doors 3 doors
Vehicle Weight 2010 kg 1190 kg
Vehicle Length 5120 mm 4350 mm
Vehicle Width 1950 mm 1640 mm
Vehicle Height 1750 mm 1330 mm
Wheelbase Size 3070 mm 2520 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 98 L 23 L