1974 Mercury Comet vs. 2008 Ford Focus
To start off, 2008 Ford Focus is newer by 34 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, 2008 Ford Focus (99 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 1974 Mercury Comet. (83 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford Focus should accelerate faster than 1974 Mercury Comet. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Mercury Comet weights approximately 45 kg more than 2008 Ford Focus.
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, 2008 Ford Focus, 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 (206 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Ford Focus. (145 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1974 Mercury Comet will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Ford Focus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Mercury Comet | 2008 Ford Focus | |
| Make | Mercury | Ford |
| Model | Comet | Focus |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3272 cc | 1596 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 | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 206 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.5 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 81.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1220 kg | 1175 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 2000 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2620 mm |
