1997 Lancia Zeta vs. 1974 Mercury Comet
To start off, 1997 Lancia Zeta is newer by 23 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, 1997 Lancia Zeta (145 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 1974 Mercury Comet. (83 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Lancia Zeta should accelerate faster than 1974 Mercury Comet. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Lancia Zeta weights approximately 430 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, 1997 Lancia Zeta, 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, 1997 Lancia Zeta (235 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Mercury Comet. (206 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1997 Lancia Zeta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Mercury Comet.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Lancia Zeta | 1974 Mercury Comet | |
| Make | Lancia | Mercury |
| Model | Zeta | Comet |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 3272 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 83 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 235 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1650 kg | 1220 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1720 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2630 mm |
