1996 Alfa Romeo 145 vs. 1974 Mercury Comet
To start off, 1996 Alfa Romeo 145 is newer by 22 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 3,272 cc (6 cylinders), 1974 Mercury Comet is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Alfa Romeo 145 (90 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1974 Mercury Comet. (83 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Alfa Romeo 145 should accelerate faster than 1974 Mercury Comet. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Mercury Comet weights approximately 80 kg more than 1996 Alfa Romeo 145.
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, 1996 Alfa Romeo 145, 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 (206 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 91 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Alfa Romeo 145. (115 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1974 Mercury Comet will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Alfa Romeo 145.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Alfa Romeo 145 | 1974 Mercury Comet | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mercury |
| Model | 145 | Comet |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1351 cc | 3272 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 83 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 115 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 1220 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2630 mm |
