2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1972 Mercury Comet
To start off, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Mercury Comet. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Mercury Comet would be higher. At 2,780 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 Mercury Comet is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata (153 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 71 more horse power than 1972 Mercury Comet. (82 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1972 Mercury Comet. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Mercury Comet weights approximately 165 kg more than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
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, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata (189 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Mercury Comet. (178 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Mercury Comet.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1972 Mercury Comet | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercury |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Comet |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 2780 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 82 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 189 Nm | 178 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1055 kg | 1220 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3990 mm | 4800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2800 mm |
