1999 Mazda 121 vs. 1972 Mercury Comet
To start off, 1999 Mazda 121 is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Mercury Comet. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Mercury Comet would be higher. At 2,782 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 Mercury Comet is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Mercury Comet (81 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1999 Mazda 121. (74 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 Mercury Comet should accelerate faster than 1999 Mazda 121. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Mercury Comet weights approximately 233 kg more than 1999 Mazda 121. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1972 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 1972 Mercury Comet. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Mazda 121, 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, 1972 Mercury Comet (175 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Mazda 121. (110 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1972 Mercury Comet will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Mazda 121.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Mazda 121 | 1972 Mercury Comet | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercury |
| Model | 121 | Comet |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1241 cc | 2782 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 991 kg | 1224 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3830 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2630 mm |
