1970 Mercury Comet vs. 2009 Toyota Highlander
To start off, 2009 Toyota Highlander is newer by 39 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 3,456 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Toyota Highlander is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Toyota Highlander (270 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 180 more horse power than 1970 Mercury Comet. (90 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Toyota Highlander should accelerate faster than 1970 Mercury Comet. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Toyota Highlander weights approximately 112 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, 2009 Toyota Highlander, 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, 2009 Toyota Highlander (336 Nm @ 4700 RPM) has 127 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Mercury Comet. (209 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2009 Toyota Highlander will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Mercury Comet.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Mercury Comet | 2009 Toyota Highlander | |
| Make | Mercury | Toyota |
| Model | Comet | Highlander |
| Year Released | 1970 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3270 cc | 3456 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 270 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 209 Nm | 336 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1220 kg | 1332 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1770 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2800 mm |
