2005 Mercury Monterey vs. 1974 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 2005 Mercury Monterey is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia would be higher. At 4,195 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Mercury Monterey is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercury Monterey (198 HP @ 4250 RPM) has 149 more horse power than 1974 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (49 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercury Monterey should accelerate faster than 1974 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercury Monterey weights approximately 1179 kg more than 1974 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia 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 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 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, 2005 Mercury Monterey (359 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 251 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (108 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2005 Mercury Monterey will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. 2005 Mercury Monterey has automatic transmission and 1974 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia has manual transmission. 1974 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Mercury Monterey will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mercury Monterey | 1974 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Mercury | Volkswagen |
| Model | Monterey | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 4195 cc | 1584 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 198 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 359 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2049 kg | 870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5120 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1750 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3070 mm | 2430 mm |
