1974 Mercury Comet vs. 2005 Opel Signum
To start off, 2005 Opel Signum is newer by 31 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, 2005 Opel Signum (99 HP @ 3120 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 1974 Mercury Comet. (83 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Opel Signum should accelerate faster than 1974 Mercury Comet. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Opel Signum weights approximately 375 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, 2005 Opel Signum, 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, 2005 Opel Signum (230 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Mercury Comet. (206 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2005 Opel Signum will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Mercury Comet.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Mercury Comet | 2005 Opel Signum | |
| Make | Mercury | Opel |
| Model | Comet | Signum |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3272 cc | 1993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 83 HP | 99 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 3120 RPM |
| Torque | 206 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.5 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 90 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1220 kg | 1595 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2740 mm |
