1966 Mercury Comet vs. 2001 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2001 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 35 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 5,663 cc (8 cylinders), 2001 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Pontiac Firebird (310 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 192 more horse power than 1966 Mercury Comet. (118 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1966 Mercury Comet.
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, 2001 Pontiac Firebird (461 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 203 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Mercury Comet. (258 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2001 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Mercury Comet.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 Mercury Comet | 2001 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Mercury | Pontiac |
| Model | Comet | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1966 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3279 cc | 5663 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 310 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 258 Nm | 461 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 103.1 mm | 99 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.1:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 5180 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2570 mm |
