1988 Alfa Romeo Alfasud vs. 1973 Mercury Comet
To start off, 1988 Alfa Romeo Alfasud is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mercury Comet. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mercury Comet would be higher. At 3,271 cc (6 cylinders), 1973 Mercury Comet is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Alfa Romeo Alfasud (85 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1973 Mercury Comet. (83 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Alfa Romeo Alfasud should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercury Comet. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercury Comet weights approximately 330 kg more than 1988 Alfa Romeo Alfasud.
Because 1973 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 1973 Mercury Comet. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 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, 1973 Mercury Comet (205 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 93 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Alfa Romeo Alfasud. (112 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1973 Mercury Comet will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Alfa Romeo Alfasud.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Alfa Romeo Alfasud | 1973 Mercury Comet | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mercury |
| Model | Alfasud | Comet |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1351 cc | 3271 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 83 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 112 Nm | 205 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 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 | 890 kg | 1220 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2630 mm |
