1989 Holden Nova vs. 1974 Mercury Comet
To start off, 1989 Holden Nova is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Mercury Comet. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Mercury Comet would be higher. At 2,782 cc (6 cylinders), 1974 Mercury Comet is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Holden Nova (90 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 1974 Mercury Comet. (82 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Holden Nova should accelerate faster than 1974 Mercury Comet. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Mercury Comet weights approximately 200 kg more than 1989 Holden Nova.
Because 1974 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 1974 Mercury Comet. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Holden Nova, 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, 1974 Mercury Comet (178 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 43 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Holden Nova. (135 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1974 Mercury Comet will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Holden Nova.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Holden Nova | 1974 Mercury Comet | |
| Make | Holden | Mercury |
| Model | Nova | Comet |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1587 cc | 2782 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 82 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 135 Nm | 178 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 1220 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2800 mm |
