1996 Fiat Punto vs. 1973 Mercury Comet
To start off, 1996 Fiat Punto is newer by 23 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 2,782 cc (6 cylinders), 1973 Mercury Comet is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Mercury Comet (82 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1996 Fiat Punto. (59 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mercury Comet should accelerate faster than 1996 Fiat Punto. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercury Comet weights approximately 260 kg more than 1996 Fiat Punto. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1973 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 1973 Mercury Comet. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Fiat Punto, 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, 1973 Mercury Comet (179 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 83 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Fiat Punto. (96 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1973 Mercury Comet will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Fiat Punto.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Fiat Punto | 1973 Mercury Comet | |
| Make | Fiat | Mercury |
| Model | Punto | Comet |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1241 cc | 2782 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 82 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 96 Nm | 179 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 960 kg | 1220 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3770 mm | 4800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2800 mm |
