2004 Mazda 2 vs. 1973 Mercury Comet
To start off, 2004 Mazda 2 is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mercury Comet. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mercury Comet would be higher. At 2,782 cc (6 cylinders), 1973 Mercury Comet is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mazda 2 (99 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1973 Mercury Comet. (82 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mazda 2 should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercury Comet. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mazda 2 weights approximately 568 kg more than 1973 Mercury Comet. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1973 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 1973 Mercury Comet. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Mazda 2, 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, 1973 Mercury Comet (179 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 33 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mazda 2. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1973 Mercury Comet will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Mazda 2.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Mazda 2 | 1973 Mercury Comet | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercury |
| Model | 2 | Comet |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 2782 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 99 HP | 82 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 179 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1788 kg | 1220 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3930 mm | 4800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1550 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2800 mm |
