1964 Austin-Healey Sprite vs. 1974 Mercury Comet
To start off, 1974 Mercury Comet is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1964 Austin-Healey Sprite. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1964 Austin-Healey Sprite would be higher. At 3,272 cc (6 cylinders), 1974 Mercury Comet is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Mercury Comet (83 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 1964 Austin-Healey Sprite. (59 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Mercury Comet should accelerate faster than 1964 Austin-Healey Sprite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Mercury Comet weights approximately 506 kg more than 1964 Austin-Healey Sprite. 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, 1974 Mercury Comet (206 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 122 more torque (in Nm) than 1964 Austin-Healey Sprite. (84 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 1974 Mercury Comet will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1964 Austin-Healey Sprite.
Compare all specifications:
1964 Austin-Healey Sprite | 1974 Mercury Comet | |
Make | Austin-Healey | Mercury |
Model | Sprite | Comet |
Year Released | 1964 | 1974 |
Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1098 cc | 3272 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 59 HP | 83 HP |
Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 3800 RPM |
Torque | 84 Nm | 206 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 1800 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 64.6 mm | 93.5 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 83.7 mm | 79.5 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Vehicle Weight | 714 kg | 1220 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3470 mm | 4620 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1350 mm | 1800 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1350 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2040 mm | 2630 mm |