1970 Mercury Comet vs. 2003 Mazda 3
To start off, 2003 Mazda 3 is newer by 33 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 4,092 cc (6 cylinders), 1970 Mercury Comet is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mazda 3 (160 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 1970 Mercury Comet. (98 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 1970 Mercury Comet. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Mercury Comet weights approximately 110 kg more than 2003 Mazda 3.
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, 2003 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, 1970 Mercury Comet (249 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 54 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mazda 3. (195 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1970 Mercury Comet will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Mercury Comet | 2003 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Mercury | Mazda |
| Model | Comet | 3 |
| Year Released | 1970 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4092 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 98 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 249 Nm | 195 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.5 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99.3 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1350 kg | 1240 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4800 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2850 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 57 L | 55 L |
