2002 Mazda RX-8 vs. 1974 Mercury Comet
To start off, 2002 Mazda RX-8 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 3,272 cc (6 cylinders), 1974 Mercury Comet is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mazda RX-8 (189 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 106 more horse power than 1974 Mercury Comet. (83 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1974 Mercury Comet. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 170 kg more than 1974 Mercury Comet. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 Mazda RX-8 (220 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Mercury Comet. (206 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2002 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Mercury Comet.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Mazda RX-8 | 1974 Mercury Comet | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercury |
| Model | RX-8 | Comet |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2615 cc | 3272 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 83 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 1220 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2630 mm |
