1986 Fiat Panda vs. 1966 Mercury Comet
To start off, 1986 Fiat Panda is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Mercury Comet. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Mercury Comet would be higher. At 6,393 cc (8 cylinders), 1966 Mercury Comet is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1966 Mercury Comet (267 HP) has 233 more horse power than 1986 Fiat Panda. (34 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1966 Mercury Comet should accelerate faster than 1986 Fiat Panda. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1966 Mercury Comet weights approximately 1095 kg more than 1986 Fiat Panda. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1966 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 1966 Mercury Comet. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1986 Fiat Panda, 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, 1966 Mercury Comet (546 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 487 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Fiat Panda. (59 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1966 Mercury Comet will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Fiat Panda.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Fiat Panda | 1966 Mercury Comet | |
| Make | Fiat | Mercury |
| Model | Panda | Comet |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1966 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 769 cc | 6393 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 34 HP | 267 HP |
| Torque | 59 Nm | 546 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65 mm | 103 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 58 mm | 96 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 680 kg | 1775 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3420 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1500 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2170 mm | 2950 mm |
