2009 Fiat Panda vs. 1971 Mercury Comet
To start off, 2009 Fiat Panda 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, 1971 Mercury Comet (82 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 2009 Fiat Panda. (59 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Mercury Comet should accelerate faster than 2009 Fiat Panda. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Mercury Comet weights approximately 364 kg more than 2009 Fiat Panda. 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 Fiat Panda, 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 (178 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 76 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Fiat Panda. (102 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1971 Mercury Comet will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Fiat Panda.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Fiat Panda | 1971 Mercury Comet | |
| Make | Fiat | Mercury |
| Model | Panda | Comet |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1242 cc | 2782 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 82 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 178 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 860 kg | 1224 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3540 mm | 4800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1550 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2800 mm |
