1966 Mercury Comet vs. 1975 Lancia Beta
To start off, 1975 Lancia Beta is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Mercury Comet. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Mercury Comet would be higher. At 6,393 cc (8 cylinders), 1966 Mercury Comet is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1966 Mercury Comet (267 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 167 more horse power than 1975 Lancia Beta. (100 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1966 Mercury Comet should accelerate faster than 1975 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1966 Mercury Comet weights approximately 739 kg more than 1975 Lancia Beta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1966 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 1966 Mercury Comet. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1975 Lancia Beta, 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, 1966 Mercury Comet (546 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 412 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Lancia Beta. (134 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1966 Mercury Comet will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 Mercury Comet | 1975 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | Mercury | Lancia |
| Model | Comet | Beta |
| Year Released | 1966 | 1975 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6393 cc | 1584 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 267 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 546 Nm | 134 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 103 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 71.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1775 kg | 1036 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2480 mm |
