1966 Mercury Comet vs. 2005 Mazda 3
To start off, 2005 Mazda 3 is newer by 39 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 159 more horse power than 2005 Mazda 3. (108 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1966 Mercury Comet should accelerate faster than 2005 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1966 Mercury Comet weights approximately 590 kg more than 2005 Mazda 3. 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, 2005 Mazda 3, 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 400 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mazda 3. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1966 Mercury Comet will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 Mercury Comet | 2005 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Mercury | Mazda |
| Model | Comet | 3 |
| Year Released | 1966 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6393 cc | 1596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 267 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 546 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 103 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1775 kg | 1185 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2680 mm |
