1972 Mercury Comet vs. 2012 Audi A5
To start off, 2012 Audi A5 is newer by 40 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 3,197 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Audi A5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Audi A5 (261 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 179 more horse power than 1972 Mercury Comet. (82 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Audi A5 should accelerate faster than 1972 Mercury Comet. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Audi A5 weights approximately 540 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, 2012 Audi A5, 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, 2012 Audi A5 (330 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 152 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Mercury Comet. (178 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2012 Audi A5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Mercury Comet.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Mercury Comet | 2012 Audi A5 | |
| Make | Mercury | Audi |
| Model | Comet | A5 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2780 cc | 3197 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 82 HP | 261 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 178 Nm | 330 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1220 kg | 1760 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4800 mm | 4623 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1852 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1382 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2751 mm |
