1973 Mercury Comet vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz A
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz A is newer by 39 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz A (108 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1973 Mercury Comet. (83 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz A should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercury Comet. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz A weights approximately 1610 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz A, 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz A (250 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Mercury Comet. (205 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz A will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Mercury Comet.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Mercury Comet | 2012 Mercedes-Benz A | |
| Make | Mercury | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Comet | A |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3271 cc | 1991 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 83 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 205 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1220 kg | 2830 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 3840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1600 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2570 mm |
