2008 Mazda MazdaSpeed3 vs. 1972 Mercury Montego
To start off, 2008 Mazda MazdaSpeed3 is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Mercury Montego. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Mercury Montego would be higher. At 4,095 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 Mercury Montego is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mazda MazdaSpeed3 (263 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 166 more horse power than 1972 Mercury Montego. (97 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda MazdaSpeed3 should accelerate faster than 1972 Mercury Montego. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Mercury Montego weights approximately 515 kg more than 2008 Mazda MazdaSpeed3.
Because 1972 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 1972 Mercury Montego. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Mazda MazdaSpeed3, 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 Mazda MazdaSpeed3 (380 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 132 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Mercury Montego. (248 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2008 Mazda MazdaSpeed3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Mercury Montego.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mazda MazdaSpeed3 | 1972 Mercury Montego | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercury |
| Model | MazdaSpeed3 | Montego |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2260 cc | 4095 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 263 HP | 97 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 380 Nm | 248 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 6 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1180 kg | 1695 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 5300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 2010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 3010 mm |
