1974 Mercury Comet vs. 2008 Hyundai Sonata
To start off, 2008 Hyundai Sonata 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 3,342 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Hyundai Sonata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Hyundai Sonata (232 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 149 more horse power than 1974 Mercury Comet. (83 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Hyundai Sonata should accelerate faster than 1974 Mercury Comet. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Hyundai Sonata weights approximately 426 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, 2008 Hyundai Sonata, 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, 2008 Hyundai Sonata (304 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 98 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Mercury Comet. (206 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2008 Hyundai Sonata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Mercury Comet.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Mercury Comet | 2008 Hyundai Sonata | |
| Make | Mercury | Hyundai |
| Model | Comet | Sonata |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3272 cc | 3342 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 83 HP | 232 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 206 Nm | 304 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.5 mm | 92.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 83.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1220 kg | 1646 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2740 mm |
