2008 Lexus IS vs. 1973 Mercury Montego
To start off, 2008 Lexus IS 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 Lexus IS (270 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 174 more horse power than 1973 Mercury Montego. (96 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Lexus IS should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercury Montego. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercury Montego weights approximately 240 kg more than 2008 Lexus IS.
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 (248 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 53 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Lexus IS. (195 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 1973 Mercury Montego will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Lexus IS.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Lexus IS | 1973 Mercury Montego | |
| Make | Lexus | Mercury |
| Model | IS | Montego |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1988 cc | 4095 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 270 HP | 96 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 195 Nm | 248 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75.1 mm | 93.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 99.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 6 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1455 kg | 1695 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5160 mm | 5300 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 3010 mm |
