2009 Honda Civic vs. 1973 Mercury Montego
To start off, 2009 Honda Civic 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 Honda Civic (140 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1973 Mercury Montego. (96 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercury Montego. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercury Montego weights approximately 502 kg more than 2009 Honda Civic.
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 Honda Civic, 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, 1973 Mercury Montego (248 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Honda Civic. (174 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1973 Mercury Montego will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Honda Civic | 1973 Mercury Montego | |
| Make | Honda | Mercury |
| Model | Civic | Montego |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1799 cc | 4095 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 96 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 248 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 6 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1193 kg | 1695 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 5300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 2010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 3010 mm |
