1987 Alfa Romeo 164 vs. 1971 Mercury Comet
To start off, 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Mercury Comet. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Mercury Comet would be higher. At 2,959 cc (6 cylinders), 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 (185 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 103 more horse power than 1971 Mercury Comet. (82 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 should accelerate faster than 1971 Mercury Comet. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 weights approximately 196 kg more than 1971 Mercury Comet. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1971 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 1971 Mercury Comet. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1987 Alfa Romeo 164, 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, 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 (259 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 81 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Mercury Comet. (178 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Mercury Comet. 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 has automatic transmission and 1971 Mercury Comet has manual transmission. 1971 Mercury Comet will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 | 1971 Mercury Comet | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mercury |
| Model | 164 | Comet |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2959 cc | 2782 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 82 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 259 Nm | 178 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1420 kg | 1224 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4650 mm | 4800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2800 mm |
