2003 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1971 Mercury Comet
To start off, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Mercury Comet. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Mercury Comet would be higher. At 2,782 cc (6 cylinders), 1971 Mercury Comet is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 (138 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 1971 Mercury Comet. (82 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 1971 Mercury Comet. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 116 kg more than 1971 Mercury Comet. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1971 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 1971 Mercury Comet. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156, 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, 1971 Mercury Comet (178 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. (164 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 1971 Mercury Comet will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1971 Mercury Comet | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mercury |
| Model | 156 | Comet |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1774 cc | 2782 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 82 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 164 Nm | 178 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1340 kg | 1224 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2800 mm |
