2003 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 1966 Mercury Comet
To start off, 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Mercury Comet. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Mercury Comet would be higher. At 6,393 cc (8 cylinders), 1966 Mercury Comet is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1966 Mercury Comet (268 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider. (236 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1966 Mercury Comet should accelerate faster than 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1966 Mercury Comet weights approximately 305 kg more than 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1966 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 1966 Mercury Comet. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider, 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, 1966 Mercury Comet (546 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 257 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider. (289 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1966 Mercury Comet will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider | 1966 Mercury Comet | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mercury |
| Model | Spider | Comet |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1966 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3179 cc | 6393 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 236 HP | 268 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 289 Nm | 546 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.1 mm | 103 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1470 kg | 1775 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 5180 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2950 mm |
