1973 Mercury Comet vs. 2013 BMW 3 Series
To start off, 2013 BMW 3 Series is newer by 40 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, 2013 BMW 3 Series (227 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 144 more horse power than 1973 Mercury Comet. (83 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 BMW 3 Series should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercury Comet. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 BMW 3 Series weights approximately 515 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.
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, 2013 BMW 3 Series (271 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 66 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Mercury Comet. (205 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2013 BMW 3 Series will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Mercury Comet.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Mercury Comet | 2013 BMW 3 Series | |
| Make | Mercury | BMW |
| Model | Comet | 3 Series |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3271 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 83 HP | 227 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 205 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.5 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 88 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1220 kg | 1735 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1961 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1395 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2760 mm |
