2005 Kia Optima vs. 1971 Mercury Monterey
To start off, 2005 Kia Optima is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Mercury Monterey. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Mercury Monterey would be higher. At 5,768 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Mercury Monterey is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Kia Optima (170 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1971 Mercury Monterey. (163 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Kia Optima should accelerate faster than 1971 Mercury Monterey. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Mercury Monterey weights approximately 443 kg more than 2005 Kia Optima.
Because 1971 Mercury Monterey 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 Mercury Monterey. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Kia Optima, 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 Mercury Monterey (383 Nm) has 138 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Kia Optima. (245 Nm). This means 1971 Mercury Monterey will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Kia Optima.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Kia Optima | 1971 Mercury Monterey | |
| Make | Kia | Mercury |
| Model | Optima | Monterey |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2670 cc | 5768 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 383 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 88.8 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1487 kg | 1930 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 5720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 2030 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 3160 mm |
