2009 Hyundai Santa Fe vs. 1973 Mercury Montego
To start off, 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe 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 Hyundai Santa Fe (153 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 1973 Mercury Montego. (96 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercury Montego. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe weights approximately 129 kg more than 1973 Mercury Montego. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 Hyundai Santa Fe, 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 Hyundai Santa Fe (343 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 95 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Mercury Montego. (248 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Mercury Montego.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe | 1973 Mercury Montego | |
| Make | Hyundai | Mercury |
| Model | Santa Fe | Montego |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2188 cc | 4095 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 96 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 343 Nm | 248 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 93.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 99.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.3:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1824 kg | 1695 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 5300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 2010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1800 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 3010 mm |
