1966 Mercury Comet vs. 2006 Mercury Mariner
To start off, 2006 Mercury Mariner is newer by 40 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 3,279 cc (6 cylinders), 1966 Mercury Comet is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercury Mariner (153 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 1966 Mercury Comet. (118 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercury Mariner should accelerate faster than 1966 Mercury Comet.
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, 2006 Mercury Mariner, 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 (258 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 52 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mercury Mariner. (206 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1966 Mercury Comet will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mercury Mariner.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 Mercury Comet | 2006 Mercury Mariner | |
| Make | Mercury | Mercury |
| Model | Comet | Mariner |
| Year Released | 1966 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3279 cc | 2299 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 258 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 103.1 mm | 87.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 5180 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2630 mm |
