2004 Mercury Monterey vs. 1974 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2004 Mercury Monterey is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 7,467 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Pontiac Firebird (335 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 137 more horse power than 2004 Mercury Monterey. (198 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2004 Mercury Monterey. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercury Monterey weights approximately 561 kg more than 1974 Pontiac Firebird.
Because 1974 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 1974 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.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Mercury Monterey | 1974 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Mercury | Pontiac |
| Model | Monterey | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4194 cc | 7467 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 198 HP | 335 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 97 mm | 104.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 95 mm | 108 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2011 kg | 1450 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5570 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3210 mm | 2750 mm |
