2008 Kia Sportage vs. 1971 Mercury Monterey
To start off, 2008 Kia Sportage is newer by 37 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, 1971 Mercury Monterey (163 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 2008 Kia Sportage. (139 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Mercury Monterey should accelerate faster than 2008 Kia Sportage. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Mercury Monterey weights approximately 388 kg more than 2008 Kia Sportage. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2008 Kia Sportage, 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 @ 2000 RPM) has 199 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Kia Sportage. (184 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1971 Mercury Monterey will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Kia Sportage. 1971 Mercury Monterey has automatic transmission and 2008 Kia Sportage has manual transmission. 2008 Kia Sportage will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1971 Mercury Monterey will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Kia Sportage | 1971 Mercury Monterey | |
| Make | Kia | Mercury |
| Model | Sportage | Monterey |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1974 cc | 5768 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 139 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 184 Nm | 383 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93.5 mm | 88.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1542 kg | 1930 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 5720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 2030 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1740 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 3160 mm |
