1972 Mercury Comet vs. 1955 Oldsmobile 88
To start off, 1972 Mercury Comet is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Oldsmobile 88. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Oldsmobile 88 would be higher. At 5,318 cc (8 cylinders), 1955 Oldsmobile 88 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1955 Oldsmobile 88 (200 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 118 more horse power than 1972 Mercury Comet. (82 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1955 Oldsmobile 88 should accelerate faster than 1972 Mercury Comet. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1955 Oldsmobile 88 weights approximately 480 kg more than 1972 Mercury Comet. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1955 Oldsmobile 88 (450 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 272 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Mercury Comet. (178 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1955 Oldsmobile 88 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Mercury Comet.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Mercury Comet | 1955 Oldsmobile 88 | |
| Make | Mercury | Oldsmobile |
| Model | Comet | 88 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1955 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2780 cc | 5318 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 82 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 178 Nm | 450 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1220 kg | 1700 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4800 mm | 5180 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1990 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1590 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 3110 mm |
