1974 Mercury Comet vs. 1996 Toyota Starlet
To start off, 1996 Toyota Starlet is newer by 22 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, 1974 Mercury Comet (82 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 1996 Toyota Starlet. (74 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 Mercury Comet should accelerate faster than 1996 Toyota Starlet. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Mercury Comet weights approximately 464 kg more than 1996 Toyota Starlet. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1996 Toyota Starlet, 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 77 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Toyota Starlet. (101 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1974 Mercury Comet will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Toyota Starlet.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Mercury Comet | 1996 Toyota Starlet | |
| Make | Mercury | Toyota |
| Model | Comet | Starlet |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2782 cc | 1332 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 82 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 178 Nm | 101 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1220 kg | 756 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4800 mm | 3750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1410 mm |
