1971 Mercury Comet vs. 2009 Volkswagen Phaeton
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Phaeton 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 3,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Volkswagen Phaeton is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Volkswagen Phaeton (237 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 155 more horse power than 1971 Mercury Comet. (82 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Volkswagen Phaeton should accelerate faster than 1971 Mercury Comet. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volkswagen Phaeton weights approximately 1091 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 2009 Volkswagen Phaeton is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1971 Mercury Comet. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Volkswagen Phaeton will offer significantly more control. 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 Volkswagen Phaeton (500 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 322 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Mercury Comet. (178 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2009 Volkswagen Phaeton will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Mercury Comet. 2009 Volkswagen Phaeton has automatic transmission and 1971 Mercury Comet has manual transmission. 1971 Mercury Comet will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Volkswagen Phaeton will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Mercury Comet | 2009 Volkswagen Phaeton | |
| Make | Mercury | Volkswagen |
| Model | Comet | Phaeton |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2782 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 82 HP | 237 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 178 Nm | 500 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automated manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1224 kg | 2315 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4800 mm | 5179 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1903 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1901 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 3001 mm |
