2003 Mazda Roadster vs. 1972 Mercury Comet
To start off, 2003 Mazda Roadster is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Mercury Comet. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Mercury Comet would be higher. At 2,782 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 Mercury Comet is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mazda Roadster (157 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 76 more horse power than 1972 Mercury Comet. (81 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mazda Roadster should accelerate faster than 1972 Mercury Comet. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Mercury Comet weights approximately 164 kg more than 2003 Mazda Roadster.
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, 1972 Mercury Comet (175 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mazda Roadster. (170 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1972 Mercury Comet will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mazda Roadster.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mazda Roadster | 1972 Mercury Comet | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercury |
| Model | Roadster | Comet |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1972 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1839 cc | 2782 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 157 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1060 kg | 1224 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2370 mm | 2630 mm |
