2004 Mercury Monterey vs. 1971 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2004 Mercury Monterey is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 5,792 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mercury Monterey (198 HP @ 4250 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1971 Pontiac Firebird. (158 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mercury Monterey should accelerate faster than 1971 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercury Monterey weights approximately 426 kg more than 1971 Pontiac Firebird. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1971 Pontiac Firebird 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 1971 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 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, 1971 Pontiac Firebird (366 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mercury Monterey. (359 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1971 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Mercury Monterey.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Mercury Monterey | 1971 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Mercury | Pontiac |
| Model | Monterey | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1971 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4194 cc | 5792 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 198 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 359 Nm | 366 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2011 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5570 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3210 mm | 2750 mm |
