2006 Mazda 3 vs. 1973 Mercury Comet
To start off, 2006 Mazda 3 is newer by 33 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, 2006 Mazda 3 (105 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 1973 Mercury Comet. (83 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercury Comet. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercury Comet weights approximately 100 kg more than 2006 Mazda 3.
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, 1973 Mercury Comet (205 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 59 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda 3. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1973 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 | 1973 Mercury Comet | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercury |
| Model | 3 | Comet |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1973 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 3271 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 105 HP | 83 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 205 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 93.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.6 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 1220 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2630 mm |
