1973 Mercury Comet vs. 2008 Toyota MR2
To start off, 2008 Toyota MR2 is newer by 35 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, 2008 Toyota MR2 (138 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1973 Mercury Comet. (83 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Toyota MR2 should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercury Comet. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercury Comet weights approximately 155 kg more than 2008 Toyota MR2.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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 35 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Toyota MR2. (170 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1973 Mercury Comet will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Toyota MR2.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Mercury Comet | 2008 Toyota MR2 | |
| Make | Mercury | Toyota |
| Model | Comet | MR2 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3271 cc | 1794 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 83 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 205 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.5 mm | 79.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 91.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1220 kg | 1065 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 3900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2460 mm |
