1979 Lancia Stratos vs. 1973 Mercury Comet
To start off, 1979 Lancia Stratos is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mercury Comet. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mercury Comet would be higher. At 3,271 cc (6 cylinders), 1973 Mercury Comet is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Lancia Stratos (187 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 104 more horse power than 1973 Mercury Comet. (83 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Lancia Stratos should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercury Comet. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercury Comet weights approximately 236 kg more than 1979 Lancia Stratos.
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, 1979 Lancia Stratos (225 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Mercury Comet. (205 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1979 Lancia Stratos will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Mercury Comet.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Lancia Stratos | 1973 Mercury Comet | |
| Make | Lancia | Mercury |
| Model | Stratos | Comet |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1973 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2419 cc | 3271 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 187 HP | 83 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 225 Nm | 205 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92.5 mm | 93.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 60 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 984 kg | 1220 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3710 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2190 mm | 2630 mm |
