1974 Mercury Comet vs. 2004 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2004 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 30 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, 2004 Volkswagen Passat (123 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 1974 Mercury Comet. (82 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1974 Mercury Comet. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 165 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 2004 Volkswagen Passat is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1974 Mercury Comet. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Volkswagen Passat will offer significantly more control. 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, 2004 Volkswagen Passat (310 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 132 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Mercury Comet. (178 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2004 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Mercury Comet.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Mercury Comet | 2004 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Mercury | Volkswagen |
| Model | Comet | Passat |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2782 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 82 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 178 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1220 kg | 1385 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4800 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2710 mm |
