2005 Hyundai Santa Fe vs. 1973 Mercury Comet
To start off, 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe 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 2,782 cc (6 cylinders), 1973 Mercury Comet is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe (111 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 1973 Mercury Comet. (82 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercury Comet. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe weights approximately 485 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 Hyundai Santa Fe, 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 Hyundai Santa Fe (245 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 66 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Mercury Comet. (179 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Mercury Comet.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe | 1973 Mercury Comet | |
| Make | Hyundai | Mercury |
| Model | Santa Fe | Comet |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1973 cc | 2782 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 111 HP | 82 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 179 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1705 kg | 1220 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1660 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2800 mm |
