1990 Mazda 323 vs. 1966 Mercury Comet
To start off, 1990 Mazda 323 is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Mercury Comet. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Mercury Comet would be higher. At 6,393 cc (8 cylinders), 1966 Mercury Comet is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1966 Mercury Comet (268 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 212 more horse power than 1990 Mazda 323. (56 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1966 Mercury Comet should accelerate faster than 1990 Mazda 323. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1966 Mercury Comet weights approximately 795 kg more than 1990 Mazda 323. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1966 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 1966 Mercury Comet. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 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, 1966 Mercury Comet (546 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 432 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Mazda 323. (114 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1966 Mercury Comet will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Mazda 323.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Mazda 323 | 1966 Mercury Comet | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercury |
| Model | 323 | Comet |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1966 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1720 cc | 6393 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 56 HP | 268 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 114 Nm | 546 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 1775 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4040 mm | 5180 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2950 mm |
