2004 Ford Focus vs. 1974 Mercury Comet
To start off, 2004 Ford Focus is newer by 30 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, 2004 Ford Focus (134 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 1974 Mercury Comet. (83 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Ford Focus should accelerate faster than 1974 Mercury Comet. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Ford Focus weights approximately 1 kg more than 1974 Mercury Comet. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2004 Ford Focus, 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) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Ford Focus. (183 Nm). This means 1974 Mercury Comet will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Ford Focus.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Ford Focus | 1974 Mercury Comet | |
| Make | Ford | Mercury |
| Model | Focus | Comet |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 3272 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 83 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 183 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1221 kg | 1220 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2630 mm |
