2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1970 Mercury Comet
To start off, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata 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 4,092 cc (6 cylinders), 1970 Mercury Comet is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata (166 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 68 more horse power than 1970 Mercury Comet. (98 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1970 Mercury Comet. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Mercury Comet weights approximately 18 kg more than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
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, 1970 Mercury Comet (249 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 59 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1970 Mercury Comet will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1970 Mercury Comet | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercury |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Comet |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1970 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1999 cc | 4092 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 166 HP | 98 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 249 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1332 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 57 L |
