1998 Lancia Kappa vs. 1973 Mercury Comet
To start off, 1998 Lancia Kappa 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 2,782 cc (6 cylinders), 1973 Mercury Comet is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Lancia Kappa (173 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 91 more horse power than 1973 Mercury Comet. (82 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Lancia Kappa should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercury Comet. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Lancia Kappa weights approximately 220 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 Lancia Kappa, 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 Lancia Kappa (230 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 51 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Mercury Comet. (179 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1998 Lancia Kappa will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Mercury Comet.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Lancia Kappa | 1973 Mercury Comet | |
| Make | Lancia | Mercury |
| Model | Kappa | Comet |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2451 cc | 2782 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 173 HP | 82 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 179 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1440 kg | 1220 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4570 mm | 4800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2800 mm |
