1975 Mercury Comet vs. 2011 Mazda 3
To start off, 2011 Mazda 3 is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Mercury Comet. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Mercury Comet would be higher. At 3,272 cc (6 cylinders), 1975 Mercury Comet is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mazda 3 (148 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 1975 Mercury Comet. (74 HP @ 3200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 1975 Mercury Comet. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1975 Mercury Comet weights approximately 130 kg more than 2011 Mazda 3.
Because 1975 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 1975 Mercury Comet. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Mazda 3, 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, 1975 Mercury Comet (197 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Mazda 3. (183 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1975 Mercury Comet will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1975 Mercury Comet | 2011 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Mercury | Mazda |
| Model | Comet | 3 |
| Year Released | 1975 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3272 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 197 Nm | 183 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1755 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2639 mm |
