1996 Ford Escort vs. 1974 Mercury Comet
To start off, 1996 Ford Escort 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 2,782 cc (6 cylinders), 1974 Mercury Comet is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Mercury Comet (82 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 1996 Ford Escort. (74 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Mercury Comet should accelerate faster than 1996 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Mercury Comet weights approximately 50 kg more than 1996 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 Ford Escort, 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 (178 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 64 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Ford Escort. (114 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 1974 Mercury Comet will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
1996 Ford Escort | 1974 Mercury Comet | |
Make | Ford | Mercury |
Model | Escort | Comet |
Year Released | 1996 | 1974 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1389 cc | 2782 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 74 HP | 82 HP |
Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4400 RPM |
Torque | 114 Nm | 178 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 1800 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1170 kg | 1220 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4140 mm | 4800 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1800 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1360 mm |