1961 BMW 501 vs. 1970 Mercury Comet
To start off, 1970 Mercury Comet is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 BMW 501. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 BMW 501 would be higher. At 2,782 cc (6 cylinders), 1970 Mercury Comet is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1961 BMW 501 (100 HP) has 18 more horse power than 1970 Mercury Comet. (82 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1961 BMW 501 should accelerate faster than 1970 Mercury Comet. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 BMW 501 weights approximately 125 kg more than 1970 Mercury Comet. 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, 1961 BMW 501 (182 Nm) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Mercury Comet. (178 Nm). This means 1961 BMW 501 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Mercury Comet.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 BMW 501 | 1970 Mercury Comet | |
| Make | BMW | Mercury |
| Model | 501 | Comet |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1970 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2580 cc | 2782 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 82 HP |
| Torque | 182 Nm | 178 Nm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1345 kg | 1220 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2800 mm |
