1974 Mercury Comet vs. 2012 Ford Taurus
To start off, 2012 Ford Taurus is newer by 38 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 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Ford Taurus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Ford Taurus (365 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 282 more horse power than 1974 Mercury Comet. (83 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 1974 Mercury Comet. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Ford Taurus weights approximately 761 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 2012 Ford Taurus is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1974 Mercury Comet. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Ford Taurus 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, 2012 Ford Taurus (474 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 268 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Mercury Comet. (206 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2012 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Mercury Comet.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Mercury Comet | 2012 Ford Taurus | |
| Make | Mercury | Ford |
| Model | Comet | Taurus |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3272 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 83 HP | 365 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 206 Nm | 474 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Vehicle Weight | 1220 kg | 1981 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 5154 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1935 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1542 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2868 mm |
