2006 Mazda 3 vs. 1971 Mercury Comet
To start off, 2006 Mazda 3 is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Mercury Comet. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Mercury Comet would be higher. At 2,782 cc (6 cylinders), 1971 Mercury Comet is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mazda 3 (105 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1971 Mercury Comet. (82 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 1971 Mercury Comet. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Mercury Comet weights approximately 39 kg more than 2006 Mazda 3.
Because 1971 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 1971 Mercury Comet. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Mazda 3, 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, 1971 Mercury Comet (178 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 33 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda 3. (145 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1971 Mercury Comet will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mazda 3 | 1971 Mercury Comet | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercury |
| Model | 3 | Comet |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 2782 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 105 HP | 82 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 178 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1185 kg | 1224 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2800 mm |
