2009 Ford Mustang vs. 1973 Mercury Monterey
To start off, 2009 Ford Mustang is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mercury Monterey. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mercury Monterey would be higher. At 5,769 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Mercury Monterey is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford Mustang (210 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1973 Mercury Monterey. (163 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercury Monterey. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercury Monterey weights approximately 964 kg more than 2009 Ford Mustang.
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 Monterey (383 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 57 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Ford Mustang. (326 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1973 Mercury Monterey will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Ford Mustang. 1973 Mercury Monterey has automatic transmission and 2009 Ford Mustang has manual transmission. 2009 Ford Mustang will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1973 Mercury Monterey will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Mustang | 1973 Mercury Monterey | |
| Make | Ford | Mercury |
| Model | Mustang | Monterey |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4009 cc | 5769 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 326 Nm | 383 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 1930 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 5720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 2030 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 3160 mm |
