1966 Mercury Comet vs. 2011 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2011 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 45 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 35 more horse power than 2011 Mazda RX-8. (232 HP @ 8500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1966 Mercury Comet should accelerate faster than 2011 Mazda RX-8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1966 Mercury Comet weights approximately 385 kg more than 2011 Mazda RX-8. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1966 Mercury Comet (546 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 331 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Mazda RX-8. (215 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1966 Mercury Comet will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Mazda RX-8.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 Mercury Comet | 2011 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Mercury | Mazda |
| Model | Comet | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 1966 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6393 cc | 1300 cc |
| Engine Type | V | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 267 HP | 232 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 8500 RPM |
| Torque | 546 Nm | 215 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1775 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1341 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2703 mm |
