1983 Alfa Romeo Alfasud vs. 1974 Mercury Comet
To start off, 1983 Alfa Romeo Alfasud is newer by 9 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 @ 3800 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 1983 Alfa Romeo Alfasud. (70 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Mercury Comet should accelerate faster than 1983 Alfa Romeo Alfasud. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Mercury Comet weights approximately 305 kg more than 1983 Alfa Romeo Alfasud. 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, 1983 Alfa Romeo Alfasud, 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 101 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Alfa Romeo Alfasud. (105 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1974 Mercury Comet will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Alfa Romeo Alfasud.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Alfa Romeo Alfasud | 1974 Mercury Comet | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mercury |
| Model | Alfasud | Comet |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1350 cc | 3272 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 83 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 105 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 93.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 67.2 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 915 kg | 1220 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2630 mm |
