1970 Mercury Comet vs. 2001 Renault Vel Satis
To start off, 2001 Renault Vel Satis is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Mercury Comet. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Mercury Comet would be higher. At 3,498 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 Renault Vel Satis is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Renault Vel Satis (235 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 154 more horse power than 1970 Mercury Comet. (81 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Renault Vel Satis should accelerate faster than 1970 Mercury Comet. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Renault Vel Satis weights approximately 480 kg more than 1970 Mercury Comet. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1970 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 1970 Mercury Comet. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Renault Vel Satis, 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, 2001 Renault Vel Satis (320 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 144 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Mercury Comet. (176 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2001 Renault Vel Satis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Mercury Comet.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Mercury Comet | 2001 Renault Vel Satis | |
| Make | Mercury | Renault |
| Model | Comet | Vel Satis |
| Year Released | 1970 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2782 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 235 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1220 kg | 1700 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1580 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2630 mm |
