1974 Mercury Comet vs. 1999 Volvo S80
To start off, 1999 Volvo S80 is newer by 25 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 3,272 cc (6 cylinders), 1974 Mercury Comet is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Volvo S80 (138 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1974 Mercury Comet. (83 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Volvo S80 should accelerate faster than 1974 Mercury Comet. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Volvo S80 weights approximately 270 kg more than 1974 Mercury Comet. 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, 1999 Volvo S80, 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, 1999 Volvo S80 (220 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Mercury Comet. (206 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1999 Volvo S80 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Mercury Comet.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Mercury Comet | 1999 Volvo S80 | |
| Make | Mercury | Volvo |
| Model | Comet | S80 |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3272 cc | 2435 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 83 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 206 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.5 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 90 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1220 kg | 1490 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2800 mm |
