2008 Ford Focus vs. 1973 Mercury Montego
To start off, 2008 Ford Focus 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 4,095 cc (6 cylinders), 1973 Mercury Montego is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Ford Focus (212 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 116 more horse power than 1973 Mercury Montego. (96 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford Focus should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercury Montego. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercury Montego weights approximately 415 kg more than 2008 Ford Focus.
Because 1973 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 1973 Mercury Montego. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Ford Focus, 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, 2008 Ford Focus (310 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 62 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Mercury Montego. (248 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2008 Ford Focus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Mercury Montego. 2008 Ford Focus has automatic transmission and 1973 Mercury Montego has manual transmission. 1973 Mercury Montego will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Ford Focus will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ford Focus | 1973 Mercury Montego | |
| Make | Ford | Mercury |
| Model | Focus | Montego |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1987 cc | 4095 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 212 HP | 96 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 310 Nm | 248 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.8 mm | 93.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 99.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 6 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 1695 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 5300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 2010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 3010 mm |
