2009 Dodge Caliber vs. 1972 Mercury Monterey
To start off, 2009 Dodge Caliber is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Mercury Monterey. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Mercury Monterey would be higher. At 5,769 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Mercury Monterey is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Dodge Caliber (285 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 121 more horse power than 1972 Mercury Monterey. (164 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Dodge Caliber should accelerate faster than 1972 Mercury Monterey.
Because 1972 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 1972 Mercury Monterey. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Dodge Caliber, 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, 1972 Mercury Monterey (383 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Dodge Caliber. (359 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1972 Mercury Monterey will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Dodge Caliber. 1972 Mercury Monterey has automatic transmission and 2009 Dodge Caliber has manual transmission. 2009 Dodge Caliber will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1972 Mercury Monterey will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Dodge Caliber | 1972 Mercury Monterey | |
| Make | Dodge | Mercury |
| Model | Caliber | Monterey |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2360 cc | 5769 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 285 HP | 164 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 359 Nm | 383 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Length | 4420 mm | 5720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 2030 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1520 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 3160 mm |
