2005 Mercury Mariner vs. 1974 Mercury Comet
To start off, 2005 Mercury Mariner is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Mercury Comet. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Mercury Comet would be higher. At 3,272 cc (6 cylinders), 1974 Mercury Comet is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercury Mariner (153 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 1974 Mercury Comet. (83 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercury Mariner should accelerate faster than 1974 Mercury Comet. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercury Mariner weights approximately 359 kg more than 1974 Mercury Comet. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 Mercury Mariner is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1974 Mercury Comet. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Mercury Mariner will offer significantly more control. 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, both vehicles can yield 206 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mercury Mariner | 1974 Mercury Comet | |
| Make | Mercury | Mercury |
| Model | Mariner | Comet |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1974 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2261 cc | 3272 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 83 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 206 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 93.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1579 kg | 1220 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1730 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2630 mm |
