1996 Honda S-MX vs. 1973 Mercury Comet
To start off, 1996 Honda S-MX 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 3,271 cc (6 cylinders), 1973 Mercury Comet is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Honda S-MX (129 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 1973 Mercury Comet. (83 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Honda S-MX should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercury Comet. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Honda S-MX weights approximately 110 kg more than 1973 Mercury Comet. 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 Honda S-MX, 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 (205 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda S-MX. (191 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1973 Mercury Comet will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Honda S-MX.
Compare all specifications:
1996 Honda S-MX | 1973 Mercury Comet | |
Make | Honda | Mercury |
Model | S-MX | Comet |
Year Released | 1996 | 1973 |
Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1973 cc | 3271 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 129 HP | 83 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
Torque | 191 Nm | 205 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 1800 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 93.5 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 79.5 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Vehicle Weight | 1330 kg | 1220 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4620 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1800 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1350 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2630 mm |