1973 Mercury Comet vs. 2008 Volvo S80
To start off, 2008 Volvo S80 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 2,953 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Volvo S80 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volvo S80 (281 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 199 more horse power than 1973 Mercury Comet. (82 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volvo S80 should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercury Comet. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volvo S80 weights approximately 460 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 2008 Volvo S80 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1973 Mercury Comet. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Volvo S80 will offer significantly more control. 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, 2008 Volvo S80 (400 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 221 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Mercury Comet. (179 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2008 Volvo S80 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Mercury Comet. 2008 Volvo S80 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. 2008 Volvo S80 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Mercury Comet | 2008 Volvo S80 | |
| Make | Mercury | Volvo |
| Model | Comet | S80 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2782 cc | 2953 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 82 HP | 281 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 179 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1220 kg | 1680 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4800 mm | 4860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2840 mm |
