1971 Mercury Comet vs. 2010 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2010 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 39 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, 2010 Volkswagen Jetta (170 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 89 more horse power than 1971 Mercury Comet. (81 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 1971 Mercury Comet. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 270 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, 2010 Volkswagen Jetta, 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, 2010 Volkswagen Jetta (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Mercury Comet. (175 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2010 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Mercury Comet.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Mercury Comet | 2010 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Mercury | Volkswagen |
| Model | Comet | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2782 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 175 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1220 kg | 1490 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 4557 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1781 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1504 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2578 mm |
