1972 Mercury Comet vs. 2003 Toyota Corolla
To start off, 2003 Toyota Corolla is newer by 31 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, 2003 Toyota Corolla (96 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1972 Mercury Comet. (82 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Toyota Corolla should accelerate faster than 1972 Mercury Comet. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Mercury Comet weights approximately 135 kg more than 2003 Toyota Corolla.
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, 2003 Toyota Corolla, 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 28 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Toyota Corolla. (150 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1972 Mercury Comet will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Toyota Corolla.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Mercury Comet | 2003 Toyota Corolla | |
| Make | Mercury | Toyota |
| Model | Comet | Corolla |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2780 cc | 1398 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 82 HP | 96 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 178 Nm | 150 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1220 kg | 1085 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4800 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2480 mm |
