2008 Ford Explorer vs. 1973 Mercury Montego
To start off, 2008 Ford Explorer is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mercury Montego. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mercury Montego would be higher. At 6,555 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Mercury Montego is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Ford Explorer (210 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 1973 Mercury Montego. (169 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford Explorer should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercury Montego. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Ford Explorer weights approximately 286 kg more than 1973 Mercury Montego. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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 Montego (403 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 59 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Ford Explorer. (344 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 1973 Mercury Montego will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Ford Explorer.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ford Explorer | 1973 Mercury Montego | |
| Make | Ford | Mercury |
| Model | Explorer | Montego |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4013 cc | 6555 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 169 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 344 Nm | 403 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 8.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 2077 kg | 1791 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5350 mm | 5290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 2000 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3320 mm | 2900 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 85 L |
