1998 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1973 Mercury Comet
To start off, 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 25 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, 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 (136 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1973 Mercury Comet. (83 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercury Comet. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 130 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, 1998 Alfa Romeo 156, 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, 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 (304 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 99 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Mercury Comet. (205 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Mercury Comet.
Compare all specifications:
1998 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1973 Mercury Comet | |
Make | Alfa Romeo | Mercury |
Model | 156 | Comet |
Year Released | 1998 | 1973 |
Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2386 cc | 3271 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 136 HP | 83 HP |
Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 3800 RPM |
Torque | 304 Nm | 205 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 93.5 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 90.4 mm | 79.5 mm |
Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Vehicle Weight | 1350 kg | 1220 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4620 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1800 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1350 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2630 mm |