2002 Caterham Superlight R vs. 1974 Mercury Comet
To start off, 2002 Caterham Superlight R is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Mercury Comet. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Mercury Comet would be higher. At 2,782 cc (6 cylinders), 1974 Mercury Comet is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Caterham Superlight R (190 HP @ 7500 RPM) has 108 more horse power than 1974 Mercury Comet. (82 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Caterham Superlight R should accelerate faster than 1974 Mercury Comet. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Mercury Comet weights approximately 730 kg more than 2002 Caterham Superlight R.
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, 2002 Caterham Superlight R (203 Nm @ 5750 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Mercury Comet. (178 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2002 Caterham Superlight R will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Mercury Comet.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Caterham Superlight R | 1974 Mercury Comet | |
| Make | Caterham | Mercury |
| Model | Superlight R | Comet |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1795 cc | 2782 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 82 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 203 Nm | 178 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 490 kg | 1220 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2800 mm |
