2009 Dodge Challenger vs. 1973 Mercury Comet
To start off, 2009 Dodge Challenger is newer by 36 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 6,059 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Dodge Challenger is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Dodge Challenger (419 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 337 more horse power than 1973 Mercury Comet. (82 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Dodge Challenger should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercury Comet. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Dodge Challenger weights approximately 471 kg more than 1973 Mercury Comet. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2009 Dodge Challenger (420 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 241 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Mercury Comet. (179 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2009 Dodge Challenger will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Mercury Comet.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Dodge Challenger | 1973 Mercury Comet | |
| Make | Dodge | Mercury |
| Model | Challenger | Comet |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6059 cc | 2782 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 419 HP | 82 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 420 Nm | 179 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1691 kg | 1220 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 4800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1930 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2800 mm |
