1998 Ford Laser vs. 1971 Mercury Comet
To start off, 1998 Ford Laser is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Mercury Comet. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Mercury Comet would be higher. At 2,782 cc (6 cylinders), 1971 Mercury Comet is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Ford Laser (128 HP @ 6150 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 1971 Mercury Comet. (82 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Ford Laser should accelerate faster than 1971 Mercury Comet. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Mercury Comet weights approximately 24 kg more than 1998 Ford Laser.
Because 1971 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 1971 Mercury Comet. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Ford Laser, 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, 1971 Mercury Comet (178 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Ford Laser. (174 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1971 Mercury Comet will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Ford Laser.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ford Laser | 1971 Mercury Comet | |
| Make | Ford | Mercury |
| Model | Laser | Comet |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1986 cc | 2782 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 128 HP | 82 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6150 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 178 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 1224 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4260 mm | 4800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2800 mm |
