1973 Mercury Comet vs. 2006 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 33 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, 2006 Volkswagen Passat (149 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 1973 Mercury Comet. (82 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercury Comet. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercury Comet weights approximately 58 kg more than 2006 Volkswagen Passat.
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, 2006 Volkswagen Passat, 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 Volkswagen Passat (200 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Mercury Comet. (179 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2006 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Mercury Comet. 2006 Volkswagen Passat has automatic transmission and 1973 Mercury Comet has manual transmission. 1973 Mercury Comet will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Volkswagen Passat will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Mercury Comet | 2006 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Mercury | Volkswagen |
| Model | Comet | Passat |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2782 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 82 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 179 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1220 kg | 1162 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4800 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2720 mm |
