1971 Mercury Comet vs. 2012 Citroen C3
To start off, 2012 Citroen C3 is newer by 41 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, 2012 Citroen C3 (88 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1971 Mercury Comet. (82 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Citroen C3 should accelerate faster than 1971 Mercury Comet. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Mercury Comet weights approximately 98 kg more than 2012 Citroen C3.
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, 2012 Citroen C3, 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, 1971 Mercury Comet (178 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Citroen C3. (133 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 1971 Mercury Comet will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Citroen C3. 2012 Citroen C3 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. 2012 Citroen C3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Mercury Comet | 2012 Citroen C3 | |
| Make | Mercury | Citroen |
| Model | Comet | C3 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2782 cc | 1360 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 82 HP | 88 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 178 Nm | 133 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1224 kg | 1126 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4800 mm | 3860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1540 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2470 mm |
