1973 Mercury Comet vs. 2004 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2004 Nissan Altima is newer by 31 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, 2004 Nissan Altima (175 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 92 more horse power than 1973 Mercury Comet. (83 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercury Comet. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Nissan Altima weights approximately 141 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, 2004 Nissan Altima, 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, 2004 Nissan Altima (244 Nm) has 39 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Mercury Comet. (205 Nm). This means 2004 Nissan Altima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Mercury Comet.
Compare all specifications:
1973 Mercury Comet | 2004 Nissan Altima | |
Make | Mercury | Nissan |
Model | Comet | Altima |
Year Released | 1973 | 2004 |
Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3271 cc | 2505 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 83 HP | 175 HP |
Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 3600 RPM |
Torque | 205 Nm | 244 Nm |
Engine Bore Size | 93.5 mm | 89 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 100 mm |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Vehicle Weight | 1220 kg | 1361 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 4870 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1790 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1480 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2830 mm |