2008 Hyundai Elantra vs. 1973 Mercury Comet
To start off, 2008 Hyundai Elantra is newer by 35 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, 2008 Hyundai Elantra (111 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1973 Mercury Comet. (83 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Hyundai Elantra should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercury Comet. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercury Comet weights approximately 32 kg more than 2008 Hyundai Elantra.
Because 1973 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 1973 Mercury Comet. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Hyundai Elantra, 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 Hyundai Elantra (236 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Mercury Comet. (205 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2008 Hyundai Elantra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Mercury Comet.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Hyundai Elantra | 1973 Mercury Comet | |
| Make | Hyundai | Mercury |
| Model | Elantra | Comet |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1973 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 3271 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 111 HP | 83 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 236 Nm | 205 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 93.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1188 kg | 1220 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2630 mm |
