1989 Mazda 323 vs. 1975 Mercury Comet
To start off, 1989 Mazda 323 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Mercury Comet. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Mercury Comet would be higher. At 3,272 cc (6 cylinders), 1975 Mercury Comet is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Mazda 323 (130 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 1975 Mercury Comet. (74 HP @ 3200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Mazda 323 should accelerate faster than 1975 Mercury Comet.
Because 1975 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 1975 Mercury Comet. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Mazda 323, 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, 1975 Mercury Comet (197 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Mazda 323. (137 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1975 Mercury Comet will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Mazda 323.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Mazda 323 | 1975 Mercury Comet | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercury |
| Model | 323 | Comet |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1975 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 3272 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 130 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Torque | 137 Nm | 197 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2800 mm |
