1974 Mercury Comet vs. 2012 Kia Soul
To start off, 2012 Kia Soul 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 3,272 cc (6 cylinders), 1974 Mercury Comet is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Kia Soul (164 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 81 more horse power than 1974 Mercury Comet. (83 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Kia Soul should accelerate faster than 1974 Mercury Comet. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Kia Soul weights approximately 8 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, 2012 Kia Soul, 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 6 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Kia Soul. (200 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1974 Mercury Comet will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Kia Soul.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Mercury Comet | 2012 Kia Soul | |
| Make | Mercury | Kia |
| Model | Comet | Soul |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3272 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 83 HP | 164 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 206 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1220 kg | 1228 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 4120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1610 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2550 mm |
