2008 Mazda 3 vs. 1970 Mercury Comet
To start off, 2008 Mazda 3 is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Mercury Comet. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Mercury Comet would be higher. At 3,272 cc (6 cylinders), 1970 Mercury Comet is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mazda 3 (149 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 1970 Mercury Comet. (90 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 1970 Mercury Comet. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Mercury Comet weights approximately 70 kg more than 2008 Mazda 3.
Because 1970 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 1970 Mercury Comet. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 1970 Mercury Comet (209 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda 3. (182 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1970 Mercury Comet will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mazda 3 | 1970 Mercury Comet | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercury |
| Model | 3 | Comet |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1970 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 3272 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 149 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 182 Nm | 209 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1240 kg | 1310 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 |
