2006 Mercury Mariner vs. 1973 Mercury Monterey
To start off, 2006 Mercury Mariner is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mercury Monterey. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mercury Monterey would be higher. At 5,769 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Mercury Monterey is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Mercury Monterey (163 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 2006 Mercury Mariner. (153 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mercury Monterey should accelerate faster than 2006 Mercury Mariner. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercury Mariner weights approximately 81 kg more than 1973 Mercury Monterey.
Because 1973 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 1973 Mercury Monterey. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Mercury Mariner, 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, 1973 Mercury Monterey (383 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 177 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mercury Mariner. (206 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1973 Mercury Monterey will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mercury Mariner.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mercury Mariner | 1973 Mercury Monterey | |
| Make | Mercury | Mercury |
| Model | Mariner | Monterey |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2299 cc | 5769 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 206 Nm | 383 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.4 mm | 101.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94 mm | 88.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 2011 kg | 1930 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 5720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 2030 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1730 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 3160 mm |
