1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1973 Mercury Comet
To start off, 1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 21 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, 1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata (116 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 1973 Mercury Comet. (83 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercury Comet. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercury Comet weights approximately 265 kg more than 1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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 75 more torque (in Nm) than 1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (130 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1973 Mercury Comet will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1973 Mercury Comet | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercury |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Comet |
| Year Released | 1994 | 1973 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 3271 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 83 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 130 Nm | 205 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 955 kg | 1220 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2630 mm |
