1972 Mercury Comet vs. 2002 Pontiac Grand Am
To start off, 2002 Pontiac Grand Am is newer by 30 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 3,349 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Pontiac Grand Am is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Pontiac Grand Am (175 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 93 more horse power than 1972 Mercury Comet. (82 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Pontiac Grand Am should accelerate faster than 1972 Mercury Comet. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Pontiac Grand Am weights approximately 194 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.
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, 2002 Pontiac Grand Am, 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, 2002 Pontiac Grand Am (285 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 107 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Mercury Comet. (178 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2002 Pontiac Grand Am will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Mercury Comet. 2002 Pontiac Grand Am has automatic transmission and 1972 Mercury Comet has manual transmission. 1972 Mercury Comet will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Pontiac Grand Am will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1972 Mercury Comet | 2002 Pontiac Grand Am | |
Make | Mercury | Pontiac |
Model | Comet | Grand Am |
Year Released | 1972 | 2002 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2780 cc | 3349 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Horse Power | 82 HP | 175 HP |
Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4800 RPM |
Torque | 178 Nm | 285 Nm |
Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1220 kg | 1414 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4800 mm | 4740 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1790 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1410 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2730 mm |