2004 Mercury Montego vs. 1996 Ford Mustang
To start off, 2004 Mercury Montego is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 3,797 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mercury Montego (197 HP @ 5650 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 1996 Ford Mustang. (143 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mercury Montego should accelerate faster than 1996 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercury Montego weights approximately 265 kg more than 1996 Ford Mustang. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 Ford Mustang 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 1996 Ford Mustang. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Mercury Montego, 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, 1996 Ford Mustang (298 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mercury Montego. (272 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1996 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Mercury Montego.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Mercury Montego | 1996 Ford Mustang | |
| Make | Mercury | Ford |
| Model | Montego | Mustang |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2967 cc | 3797 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 143 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5650 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 272 Nm | 298 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1655 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5100 mm | 4660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2580 mm |
