2003 BMW M3 vs. 1973 Mercury Comet
To start off, 2003 BMW M3 is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mercury Comet. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mercury Comet would be higher. At 3,168 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW M3 (342 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 260 more horse power than 1973 Mercury Comet. (82 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercury Comet. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW M3 weights approximately 165 kg more than 1973 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, 2003 BMW M3 (350 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 171 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Mercury Comet. (179 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2003 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Mercury Comet.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW M3 | 1973 Mercury Comet | |
| Make | BMW | Mercury |
| Model | M3 | Comet |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 2782 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 342 HP | 82 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 179 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1220 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2800 mm |
