1971 Mercury Comet vs. 2001 Mercury Sable
To start off, 2001 Mercury Sable is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Mercury Comet. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Mercury Comet would be higher. At 2,986 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 Mercury Sable is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Mercury Sable (153 HP @ 4900 RPM) has 72 more horse power than 1971 Mercury Comet. (81 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Mercury Sable should accelerate faster than 1971 Mercury Comet. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Mercury Sable weights approximately 290 kg more than 1971 Mercury Comet. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1971 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 1971 Mercury Comet. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Mercury Sable, 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 Mercury Sable (252 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 77 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Mercury Comet. (175 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2001 Mercury Sable will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Mercury Comet.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Mercury Comet | 2001 Mercury Sable | |
| Make | Mercury | Mercury |
| Model | Comet | Sable |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2782 cc | 2986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Torque | 175 Nm | 252 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3950 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1220 kg | 1510 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 5100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2760 mm |
