1971 Mercury Comet vs. 2009 Mini Cooper
To start off, 2009 Mini Cooper is newer by 38 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, 2009 Mini Cooper (172 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 91 more horse power than 1971 Mercury Comet. (81 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mini Cooper should accelerate faster than 1971 Mercury Comet. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Mercury Comet weights approximately 95 kg more than 2009 Mini Cooper.
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, 2009 Mini Cooper, 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 Mini Cooper (240 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Mercury Comet. (175 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2009 Mini Cooper will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Mercury Comet.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Mercury Comet | 2009 Mini Cooper | |
| Make | Mercury | Mini |
| Model | Comet | Cooper |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2782 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 172 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 175 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1220 kg | 1125 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 3720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1410 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1690 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2470 mm |
