1980 Ford Escort vs. 1974 Mercury Comet
To start off, 1980 Ford Escort is newer by 6 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, 1974 Mercury Comet (83 HP) has 34 more horse power than 1980 Ford Escort. (49 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Mercury Comet should accelerate faster than 1980 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Mercury Comet weights approximately 360 kg more than 1980 Ford Escort. 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, 1980 Ford Escort, 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 122 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Ford Escort. (84 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1974 Mercury Comet will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Ford Escort | 1974 Mercury Comet | |
| Make | Ford | Mercury |
| Model | Escort | Comet |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1116 cc | 3272 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 83 HP |
| Torque | 84 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 93.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 65 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 860 kg | 1220 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4040 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2630 mm |
