2005 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1974 Mercury Montego
To start off, 2005 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Mercury Montego. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Mercury Montego would be higher. At 4,095 cc (6 cylinders), 1974 Mercury Montego is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Alfa Romeo 156 (173 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 1974 Mercury Montego. (96 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 1974 Mercury Montego. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Mercury Montego weights approximately 445 kg more than 2005 Alfa Romeo 156.
Because 1974 Mercury Montego 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 Mercury Montego. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Alfa Romeo 156, 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, 1974 Mercury Montego (248 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Alfa Romeo 156. (187 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1974 Mercury Montego will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Alfa Romeo 156. 2005 Alfa Romeo 156 has automatic transmission and 1974 Mercury Montego has manual transmission. 1974 Mercury Montego will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Alfa Romeo 156 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1974 Mercury Montego | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mercury |
| Model | 156 | Montego |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 4095 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 173 HP | 96 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 187 Nm | 248 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 6 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 1695 kg |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 3010 mm |
