1986 Ford Orion vs. 1970 Mercury Comet
To start off, 1986 Ford Orion is newer by 16 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 2,782 cc (6 cylinders), 1970 Mercury Comet is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Ford Orion (90 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 1970 Mercury Comet. (82 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 Ford Orion should accelerate faster than 1970 Mercury Comet. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Mercury Comet weights approximately 290 kg more than 1986 Ford Orion.
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, 1986 Ford Orion, 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, 1970 Mercury Comet (178 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Ford Orion. (133 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1970 Mercury Comet will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Ford Orion. 1986 Ford Orion has automatic transmission and 1970 Mercury Comet has manual transmission. 1970 Mercury Comet will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1986 Ford Orion will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Ford Orion | 1970 Mercury Comet | |
| Make | Ford | Mercury |
| Model | Orion | Comet |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1970 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1597 cc | 2782 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 82 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 133 Nm | 178 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 930 kg | 1220 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 4800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2800 mm |
