1996 Honda Prelude vs. 1974 Mercury Comet
To start off, 1996 Honda Prelude 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 Prelude (190 HP) has 108 more horse power than 1974 Mercury Comet. (82 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Honda Prelude should accelerate faster than 1974 Mercury Comet. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Honda Prelude weights approximately 110 kg more than 1974 Mercury Comet. 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 Honda Prelude, 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, 1996 Honda Prelude (214 Nm) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Mercury Comet. (178 Nm). This means 1996 Honda Prelude will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Mercury Comet.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Honda Prelude | 1974 Mercury Comet | |
| Make | Honda | Mercury |
| Model | Prelude | Comet |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2258 cc | 2782 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 82 HP |
| Torque | 214 Nm | 178 Nm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1330 kg | 1220 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2800 mm |
