2003 Fiat Idea vs. 1970 Mercury Comet
To start off, 2003 Fiat Idea is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Mercury Comet. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Mercury Comet would be higher. At 4,092 cc (6 cylinders), 1970 Mercury Comet is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1970 Mercury Comet (98 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 2003 Fiat Idea. (78 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1970 Mercury Comet should accelerate faster than 2003 Fiat Idea. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Mercury Comet weights approximately 192 kg more than 2003 Fiat Idea. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1970 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 1970 Mercury Comet. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Fiat Idea, 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, 1970 Mercury Comet (249 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 135 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Fiat Idea. (114 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1970 Mercury Comet will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Fiat Idea.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Fiat Idea | 1970 Mercury Comet | |
| Make | Fiat | Mercury |
| Model | Idea | Comet |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1970 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1242 cc | 4092 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 78 HP | 98 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 114 Nm | 249 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70.8 mm | 93.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.9 mm | 99.3 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1158 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3940 mm | 4800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1670 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 47 L | 57 L |
