1960 Austin A 40 vs. 1973 Mercury Comet
To start off, 1973 Mercury Comet is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1960 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1960 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 2,782 cc (6 cylinders), 1973 Mercury Comet is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Mercury Comet (82 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 1960 Austin A 40. (34 HP @ 4750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mercury Comet should accelerate faster than 1960 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercury Comet weights approximately 460 kg more than 1960 Austin A 40. 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, 1973 Mercury Comet (179 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 111 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Austin A 40. (68 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1973 Mercury Comet will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1960 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1960 Austin A 40 | 1973 Mercury Comet | |
| Make | Austin | Mercury |
| Model | A 40 | Comet |
| Year Released | 1960 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 997 cc | 2782 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 34 HP | 82 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 179 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 760 kg | 1220 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 4800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2130 mm | 2800 mm |
