1970 Mercury Comet vs. 2010 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2010 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 40 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 2,782 cc (6 cylinders), 1970 Mercury Comet is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Volkswagen Beetle (114 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 1970 Mercury Comet. (81 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 1970 Mercury Comet. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Volkswagen Beetle weights approximately 1087 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, 2010 Volkswagen Beetle, 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 (176 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 Volkswagen Beetle. (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1970 Mercury Comet will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Mercury Comet | 2010 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Mercury | Volkswagen |
| Model | Comet | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1970 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2782 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1220 kg | 2307 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2510 mm |
