1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1973 Mercury Comet
To start off, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 26 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, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata (110 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1973 Mercury Comet. (83 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercury Comet. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercury Comet weights approximately 100 kg more than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata (241 Nm) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Mercury Comet. (205 Nm). This means 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Mercury Comet.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1973 Mercury Comet | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercury |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Comet |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1973 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1839 cc | 3271 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 83 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 241 Nm | 205 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.1 mm | 93.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.1 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 1220 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3950 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2630 mm |
