1998 Mercedes-Benz A vs. 1970 Mercury Comet
To start off, 1998 Mercedes-Benz A is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Mercury Comet. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Mercury Comet would be higher. At 2,782 cc (6 cylinders), 1970 Mercury Comet is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1970 Mercury Comet (81 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1998 Mercedes-Benz A. (80 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1970 Mercury Comet should accelerate faster than 1998 Mercedes-Benz A. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Mercury Comet weights approximately 125 kg more than 1998 Mercedes-Benz A. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1970 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 1970 Mercury Comet. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz A, 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, 1970 Mercury Comet (176 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 46 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mercedes-Benz A. (130 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1970 Mercury Comet will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mercedes-Benz A.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mercedes-Benz A | 1970 Mercury Comet | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercury |
| Model | A | Comet |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1970 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1397 cc | 2782 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 80 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 130 Nm | 176 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1095 kg | 1220 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3580 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1580 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2630 mm |
