2003 Fiat Punto vs. 1974 Mercury Comet
To start off, 2003 Fiat Punto 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 Fiat Punto (93 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1974 Mercury Comet. (83 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Fiat Punto should accelerate faster than 1974 Mercury Comet. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Mercury Comet weights approximately 254 kg more than 2003 Fiat Punto.
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 Fiat Punto, 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 78 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Fiat Punto. (128 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1974 Mercury Comet will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Fiat Punto.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Fiat Punto | 1974 Mercury Comet | |
| Make | Fiat | Mercury |
| Model | Punto | Comet |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1368 cc | 3272 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 93 HP | 83 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 128 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 72 mm | 93.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 1220 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3850 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2630 mm |
