1997 Citroen Xsara vs. 1973 Mercury Comet
To start off, 1997 Citroen Xsara is newer by 24 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 2,782 cc (6 cylinders), 1973 Mercury Comet is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Mercury Comet (82 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1997 Citroen Xsara. (57 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mercury Comet should accelerate faster than 1997 Citroen Xsara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercury Comet weights approximately 149 kg more than 1997 Citroen Xsara. 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, 1997 Citroen Xsara, 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 (179 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 69 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Citroen Xsara. (110 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1973 Mercury Comet will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Citroen Xsara.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Citroen Xsara | 1973 Mercury Comet | |
| Make | Citroen | Mercury |
| Model | Xsara | Comet |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1749 cc | 2782 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 57 HP | 82 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 179 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1071 kg | 1220 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4170 mm | 4800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2800 mm |
