2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1966 Mercury Comet
To start off, 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Mercury Comet. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Mercury Comet would be higher. At 3,279 cc (6 cylinders), 1966 Mercury Comet is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata (178 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 1966 Mercury Comet. (118 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1966 Mercury Comet.
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, 1966 Mercury Comet (258 Nm) has 38 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (220 Nm). This means 1966 Mercury Comet will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1966 Mercury Comet | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercury |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Comet |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1966 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1835 cc | 3279 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 178 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 258 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2950 mm |
