2009 Ford Taurus vs. 1973 Mercury Montego
To start off, 2009 Ford Taurus is newer by 36 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, 2009 Ford Taurus (263 HP @ 6251 RPM) has 167 more horse power than 1973 Mercury Montego. (96 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercury Montego. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercury Montego weights approximately 585 kg more than 2009 Ford Taurus.
Because 1973 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 1973 Mercury Montego. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Ford Taurus, 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, 2009 Ford Taurus (338 Nm @ 4501 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Mercury Montego. (248 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Mercury Montego. 2009 Ford Taurus has automatic transmission and 1973 Mercury Montego has manual transmission. 1973 Mercury Montego will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Ford Taurus will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Taurus | 1973 Mercury Montego | |
| Make | Ford | Mercury |
| Model | Taurus | Montego |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3496 cc | 4095 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 263 HP | 96 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6251 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 338 Nm | 248 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4501 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 6 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1110 kg | 1695 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5130 mm | 5300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 2010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 3010 mm |
