2004 Mercury Montego vs. 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 2004 Mercury Montego is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit would be higher. At 2,967 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Mercury Montego is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mercury Montego (197 HP @ 5650 RPM) has 135 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. (62 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mercury Montego should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercury Montego weights approximately 845 kg more than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear 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, 2004 Mercury Montego (272 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 168 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. (104 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2004 Mercury Montego will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. 2004 Mercury Montego has automatic transmission and 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit has manual transmission. 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Mercury Montego will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Mercury Montego | 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Mercury | Volkswagen |
| Model | Montego | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2967 cc | 1455 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 62 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5650 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 272 Nm | 104 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1655 kg | 810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5100 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2410 mm |
