1971 Mercury Comet vs. 2005 Toyota Corolla
To start off, 2005 Toyota Corolla is newer by 34 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 2,782 cc (6 cylinders), 1971 Mercury Comet is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Toyota Corolla (89 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 1971 Mercury Comet. (81 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Toyota Corolla should accelerate faster than 1971 Mercury Comet. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Toyota Corolla weights approximately 155 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, 2005 Toyota Corolla, 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, 2005 Toyota Corolla (215 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Mercury Comet. (175 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2005 Toyota Corolla will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Mercury Comet.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Mercury Comet | 2005 Toyota Corolla | |
| Make | Mercury | Toyota |
| Model | Comet | Corolla |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2782 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 175 Nm | 215 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1220 kg | 1375 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 4390 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2730 mm |
