1974 Mercury Comet vs. 2011 Ferrari California
To start off, 2011 Ferrari California is newer by 37 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 4,300 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 Ferrari California is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Ferrari California (460 HP @ 7750 RPM) has 377 more horse power than 1974 Mercury Comet. (83 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Ferrari California should accelerate faster than 1974 Mercury Comet. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Ferrari California weights approximately 515 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.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2011 Ferrari California (483 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 277 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Mercury Comet. (206 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2011 Ferrari California will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Mercury Comet.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Mercury Comet | 2011 Ferrari California | |
| Make | Mercury | Ferrari |
| Model | Comet | California |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3272 cc | 4300 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 83 HP | 460 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 7750 RPM |
| Torque | 206 Nm | 483 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1220 kg | 1735 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 4562 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1902 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1308 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2670 mm |
