1973 Mercury Comet vs. 2002 Toyota Camry
To start off, 2002 Toyota Camry is newer by 29 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 2,782 cc (6 cylinders), 1973 Mercury Comet is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Toyota Camry (160 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 78 more horse power than 1973 Mercury Comet. (82 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Toyota Camry should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercury Comet. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Toyota Camry weights approximately 140 kg more than 1973 Mercury Comet. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2002 Toyota Camry, 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 Toyota Camry (221 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 42 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Mercury Comet. (179 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2002 Toyota Camry will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Mercury Comet.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Mercury Comet | 2002 Toyota Camry | |
| Make | Mercury | Toyota |
| Model | Comet | Camry |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2782 cc | 2446 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 82 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 179 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1220 kg | 1360 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4800 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2610 mm |
