1958 Fiat 500 vs. 1972 Mercury Comet
To start off, 1972 Mercury Comet is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 2,780 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 Mercury Comet is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Mercury Comet (82 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 68 more horse power than 1958 Fiat 500. (14 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 Mercury Comet should accelerate faster than 1958 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Mercury Comet weights approximately 750 kg more than 1958 Fiat 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1972 Mercury Comet (178 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 154 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Fiat 500. (24 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1972 Mercury Comet will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Fiat 500 | 1972 Mercury Comet | |
| Make | Fiat | Mercury |
| Model | 500 | Comet |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 479 cc | 2780 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 14 HP | 82 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 24 Nm | 178 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 470 kg | 1220 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2800 mm |
