1972 Mercury Comet vs. 1985 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1985 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Mercury Comet. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Mercury Comet would be higher. At 2,780 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 Mercury Comet is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Mercury Comet (82 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 1985 Volkswagen Passat. (74 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 Mercury Comet should accelerate faster than 1985 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Mercury Comet weights approximately 180 kg more than 1985 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1972 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 1972 Mercury Comet. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1985 Volkswagen Passat, 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, 1972 Mercury Comet (178 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 53 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Volkswagen Passat. (125 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1972 Mercury Comet will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Mercury Comet | 1985 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Mercury | Volkswagen |
| Model | Comet | Passat |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2780 cc | 1595 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 82 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 178 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1220 kg | 1040 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4800 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2560 mm |
