1972 Mercury Comet vs. 2006 Mercury Mariner
To start off, 2006 Mercury Mariner is newer by 34 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, 2006 Mercury Mariner (153 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 71 more horse power than 1972 Mercury Comet. (82 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercury Mariner should accelerate faster than 1972 Mercury Comet. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercury Mariner weights approximately 791 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, 2006 Mercury Mariner, 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, 2006 Mercury Mariner (206 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Mercury Comet. (178 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2006 Mercury Mariner will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Mercury Comet. 2006 Mercury Mariner 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. 2006 Mercury Mariner will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Mercury Comet | 2006 Mercury Mariner | |
| Make | Mercury | Mercury |
| Model | Comet | Mariner |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2780 cc | 2299 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 82 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 178 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1220 kg | 2011 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4800 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2630 mm |
