2004 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1972 Mercury Monterey
To start off, 2004 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Mercury Monterey. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Mercury Monterey would be higher. At 5,769 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Mercury Monterey is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Ford Thunderbird (280 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 116 more horse power than 1972 Mercury Monterey. (164 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1972 Mercury Monterey. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Mercury Monterey weights approximately 178 kg more than 2004 Ford Thunderbird.
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, 1972 Mercury Monterey (383 Nm) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Ford Thunderbird. (369 Nm). This means 1972 Mercury Monterey will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Ford Thunderbird.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Ford Thunderbird | 1972 Mercury Monterey | |
| Make | Ford | Mercury |
| Model | Thunderbird | Monterey |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3932 cc | 5769 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 280 HP | 164 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 369 Nm | 383 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 88.8 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1752 kg | 1930 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 5720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 2030 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 3160 mm |
