1973 Mercury Comet vs. 1986 Toyota Carina
To start off, 1986 Toyota Carina is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mercury Comet. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mercury Comet would be higher. At 3,271 cc (6 cylinders), 1973 Mercury Comet is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Toyota Carina (100 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1973 Mercury Comet. (83 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Toyota Carina should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercury Comet. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercury Comet weights approximately 150 kg more than 1986 Toyota Carina.
Because 1973 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 1973 Mercury Comet. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1986 Toyota Carina, 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, 1973 Mercury Comet (205 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Toyota Carina. (155 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1973 Mercury Comet will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Toyota Carina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Mercury Comet | 1986 Toyota Carina | |
| Make | Mercury | Toyota |
| Model | Comet | Carina |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3271 cc | 1832 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 83 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 205 Nm | 155 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.5 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 80 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1220 kg | 1070 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2520 mm |
