2004 Ford Fusion vs. 1979 Mazda Montrose
To start off, 2004 Ford Fusion is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Mazda Montrose. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Mazda Montrose would be higher. At 1,968 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Mazda Montrose is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Mazda Montrose (90 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 2004 Ford Fusion. (79 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Mazda Montrose should accelerate faster than 2004 Ford Fusion. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Ford Fusion weights approximately 75 kg more than 1979 Mazda Montrose.
Because 1979 Mazda Montrose 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 1979 Mazda Montrose. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Ford Fusion, 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, 1979 Mazda Montrose (153 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Ford Fusion. (124 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1979 Mazda Montrose will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Ford Fusion. 1979 Mazda Montrose has automatic transmission and 2004 Ford Fusion has manual transmission. 2004 Ford Fusion will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Mazda Montrose will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Ford Fusion | 1979 Mazda Montrose | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Fusion | Montrose |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1388 cc | 1968 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 153 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.5 mm | 98 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1145 kg | 1070 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4020 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 55 L |
