1996 Honda Civic vs. 1974 Mercury Comet
To start off, 1996 Honda Civic 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, 1996 Honda Civic (104 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 1974 Mercury Comet. (82 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1974 Mercury Comet. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Mercury Comet weights approximately 120 kg more than 1996 Honda Civic.
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 Honda Civic, 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 38 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda Civic. (140 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1974 Mercury Comet will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Honda Civic | 1974 Mercury Comet | |
| Make | Honda | Mercury |
| Model | Civic | Comet |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1590 cc | 2782 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 82 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 178 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1100 kg | 1220 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 4800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1360 mm |
