2008 Acura TL vs. 1974 Mercury Comet
To start off, 2008 Acura TL is newer by 34 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 3,471 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Acura TL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Acura TL (286 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 203 more horse power than 1974 Mercury Comet. (83 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Acura TL should accelerate faster than 1974 Mercury Comet. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Acura TL weights approximately 54 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 1974 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 1974 Mercury Comet. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Acura TL, 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, 2008 Acura TL (347 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 141 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Mercury Comet. (206 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2008 Acura TL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Mercury Comet.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Acura TL | 1974 Mercury Comet | |
| Make | Acura | Mercury |
| Model | TL | Comet |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3471 cc | 3272 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 286 HP | 83 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 347 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1274 kg | 1220 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4830 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2630 mm |
