1988 Ford Taurus vs. 1972 Mercury Comet
To start off, 1988 Ford Taurus is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Mercury Comet. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Mercury Comet would be higher. At 2,780 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 Mercury Comet is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Ford Taurus (89 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1972 Mercury Comet. (82 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 1972 Mercury Comet. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Ford Taurus weights approximately 180 kg more than 1972 Mercury Comet. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1972 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 1972 Mercury Comet. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Ford Taurus, 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, 1972 Mercury Comet (178 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 1 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Ford Taurus. (177 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1972 Mercury Comet will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Ford Taurus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Ford Taurus | 1972 Mercury Comet | |
| Make | Ford | Mercury |
| Model | Taurus | Comet |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2513 cc | 2780 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 82 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 177 Nm | 178 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1400 kg | 1220 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4910 mm | 4800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2800 mm |
