1996 Ford Ka vs. 1974 Mercury Comet
To start off, 1996 Ford Ka 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, 1974 Mercury Comet (83 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1996 Ford Ka. (58 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Mercury Comet should accelerate faster than 1996 Ford Ka. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Mercury Comet weights approximately 312 kg more than 1996 Ford Ka. 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 Ka, 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 101 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Ford Ka. (105 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1974 Mercury Comet will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Ford Ka.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Ford Ka | 1974 Mercury Comet | |
| Make | Ford | Mercury |
| Model | Ka | Comet |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1299 cc | 3272 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 58 HP | 83 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 105 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 908 kg | 1220 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3630 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2630 mm |
