2005 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1975 Mercury Comet
To start off, 2005 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Mercury Comet. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Mercury Comet would be higher. At 3,272 cc (6 cylinders), 1975 Mercury Comet is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Alfa Romeo 156 (185 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 111 more horse power than 1975 Mercury Comet. (74 HP @ 3200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 1975 Mercury Comet. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 60 kg more than 1975 Mercury Comet. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1975 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 1975 Mercury Comet. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Alfa Romeo 156, 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, 2005 Alfa Romeo 156 (222 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Mercury Comet. (197 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2005 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Mercury Comet.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1975 Mercury Comet | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mercury |
| Model | 156 | Comet |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1975 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2492 cc | 3272 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 197 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1430 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2800 mm |
