1985 Lancia Thema vs. 1970 Mercury Comet
To start off, 1985 Lancia Thema is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Mercury Comet. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Mercury Comet would be higher. At 3,270 cc (6 cylinders), 1970 Mercury Comet is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Lancia Thema (212 HP @ 6750 RPM) has 122 more horse power than 1970 Mercury Comet. (90 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 Lancia Thema should accelerate faster than 1970 Mercury Comet. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Lancia Thema weights approximately 180 kg more than 1970 Mercury Comet. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1970 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 1970 Mercury Comet. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1985 Lancia Thema, 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, 1985 Lancia Thema (290 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 81 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Mercury Comet. (209 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1985 Lancia Thema will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Mercury Comet.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Lancia Thema | 1970 Mercury Comet | |
| Make | Lancia | Mercury |
| Model | Thema | Comet |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1970 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2927 cc | 3270 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 212 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 290 Nm | 209 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1400 kg | 1220 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4600 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2630 mm |
