2005 Dodge Stratus vs. 1973 Mercury Comet
To start off, 2005 Dodge Stratus is newer by 32 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 3,271 cc (6 cylinders), 1973 Mercury Comet is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Dodge Stratus (200 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 117 more horse power than 1973 Mercury Comet. (83 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Dodge Stratus should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercury Comet. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Dodge Stratus weights approximately 234 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, 2005 Dodge Stratus, 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 Dodge Stratus (278 Nm) has 73 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Mercury Comet. (205 Nm). This means 2005 Dodge Stratus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Mercury Comet.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Dodge Stratus | 1973 Mercury Comet | |
| Make | Dodge | Mercury |
| Model | Stratus | Comet |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1973 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2966 cc | 3271 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 83 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 278 Nm | 205 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 91.1 mm | 93.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1454 kg | 1220 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4860 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2630 mm |
