2003 Alfa Romeo 166 vs. 1971 Mercury Comet
To start off, 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 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 2,959 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 (217 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 135 more horse power than 1971 Mercury Comet. (82 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 should accelerate faster than 1971 Mercury Comet. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 weights approximately 326 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 166, 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, 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 (265 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 87 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Mercury Comet. (178 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Mercury Comet. 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 has automatic transmission and 1971 Mercury Comet has manual transmission. 1971 Mercury Comet will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 | 1971 Mercury Comet | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mercury |
| Model | 166 | Comet |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2959 cc | 2782 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 217 HP | 82 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 265 Nm | 178 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1550 kg | 1224 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2800 mm |
