2002 Alfa Romeo 147 vs. 1972 Mercury Comet
To start off, 2002 Alfa Romeo 147 is newer by 30 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, 2002 Alfa Romeo 147 (148 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 1972 Mercury Comet. (81 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Alfa Romeo 147 should accelerate faster than 1972 Mercury Comet. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Alfa Romeo 147 weights approximately 101 kg more than 1972 Mercury Comet. 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, 2002 Alfa Romeo 147, 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, 2002 Alfa Romeo 147 (181 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Mercury Comet. (175 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2002 Alfa Romeo 147 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Mercury Comet.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Alfa Romeo 147 | 1972 Mercury Comet | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mercury |
| Model | 147 | Comet |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 2782 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 181 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1325 kg | 1224 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4180 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2630 mm |
