2004 Mazda 2 vs. 1974 Mercury Comet
To start off, 2004 Mazda 2 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 2,782 cc (6 cylinders), 1974 Mercury Comet is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Mercury Comet (82 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 2004 Mazda 2. (74 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Mercury Comet should accelerate faster than 2004 Mazda 2. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Mercury Comet weights approximately 95 kg more than 2004 Mazda 2. 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 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, 2004 Mazda 2 (240 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 62 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Mercury Comet. (178 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2004 Mazda 2 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Mercury Comet.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Mazda 2 | 1974 Mercury Comet | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercury |
| Model | 2 | Comet |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1242 cc | 2782 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 82 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 178 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1125 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 |
