1965 DKW F 102 vs. 1972 Mercury Comet
To start off, 1972 Mercury Comet is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1965 DKW F 102. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1965 DKW F 102 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) has 23 more horse power than 1965 DKW F 102. (59 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1972 Mercury Comet should accelerate faster than 1965 DKW F 102. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Mercury Comet weights approximately 310 kg more than 1965 DKW F 102. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1972 Mercury Comet 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 1972 Mercury Comet. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1965 DKW F 102, 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, 1972 Mercury Comet (178 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 75 more torque (in Nm) than 1965 DKW F 102. (103 Nm @ 2250 RPM). This means 1972 Mercury Comet will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1965 DKW F 102.
Compare all specifications:
| 1965 DKW F 102 | 1972 Mercury Comet | |
| Make | DKW | Mercury |
| Model | F 102 | Comet |
| Year Released | 1965 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1175 cc | 2780 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 82 HP |
| Torque | 103 Nm | 178 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2250 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 910 kg | 1220 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 2800 mm |
