2002 Mazda 6 vs. 1972 Mercury Comet
To start off, 2002 Mazda 6 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 2,780 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 Mercury Comet is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mazda 6 (120 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 1972 Mercury Comet. (82 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mazda 6 should accelerate faster than 1972 Mercury Comet. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mazda 6 weights approximately 200 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 Mazda 6, 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 (178 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Mazda 6. (168 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1972 Mercury Comet will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Mazda 6.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Mazda 6 | 1972 Mercury Comet | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercury |
| Model | 6 | Comet |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1798 cc | 2780 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 82 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 178 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1420 kg | 1220 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4690 mm | 4800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2800 mm |
