2003 Chevrolet Prizm vs. 1974 Mercury Comet
To start off, 2003 Chevrolet Prizm is newer by 29 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, 2003 Chevrolet Prizm (123 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1974 Mercury Comet. (83 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Chevrolet Prizm should accelerate faster than 1974 Mercury Comet. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Mercury Comet weights approximately 130 kg more than 2003 Chevrolet Prizm.
Because 1974 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 1974 Mercury Comet. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Chevrolet Prizm, 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, 1974 Mercury Comet (206 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 37 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Chevrolet Prizm. (169 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1974 Mercury Comet will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Chevrolet Prizm.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Chevrolet Prizm | 1974 Mercury Comet | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mercury |
| Model | Prizm | Comet |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 3272 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 83 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 169 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1090 kg | 1220 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2630 mm |
