1974 Mercury Comet vs. 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Mercury Comet. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Mercury Comet would be higher. At 2,782 cc (6 cylinders), 1974 Mercury Comet is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit (89 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1974 Mercury Comet. (82 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit should accelerate faster than 1974 Mercury Comet. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Mercury Comet weights approximately 320 kg more than 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit.
Because 1974 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 1974 Mercury Comet. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit, 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, 1974 Mercury Comet (178 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 43 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit. (135 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1974 Mercury Comet will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit. 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit has automatic transmission and 1974 Mercury Comet has manual transmission. 1974 Mercury Comet will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Mercury Comet | 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Mercury | Volkswagen |
| Model | Comet | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1982 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2782 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 82 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 178 Nm | 135 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1220 kg | 900 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4800 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2410 mm |
