2009 Citroen C3 vs. 1971 Mercury Comet
To start off, 2009 Citroen C3 is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Mercury Comet. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Mercury Comet would be higher. At 2,782 cc (6 cylinders), 1971 Mercury Comet is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Citroen C3 (108 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1971 Mercury Comet. (81 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Citroen C3 should accelerate faster than 1971 Mercury Comet. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Citroen C3 weights approximately 32 kg more than 1971 Mercury Comet. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1971 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 1971 Mercury Comet. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Citroen C3, 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, 1971 Mercury Comet (175 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Citroen C3. (147 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1971 Mercury Comet will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Citroen C3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Citroen C3 | 1971 Mercury Comet | |
| Make | Citroen | Mercury |
| Model | C3 | Comet |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1971 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1587 cc | 2782 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 147 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1252 kg | 1220 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3940 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2630 mm |
