2009 Fiat Panda vs. 1973 Mercury Comet
To start off, 2009 Fiat Panda 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 3,271 cc (6 cylinders), 1973 Mercury Comet is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Mercury Comet (83 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 2009 Fiat Panda. (53 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mercury Comet should accelerate faster than 2009 Fiat Panda. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercury Comet weights approximately 305 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 1973 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 1973 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, 1973 Mercury Comet (205 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 117 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Fiat Panda. (88 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 1973 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 | 1973 Mercury Comet | |
| Make | Fiat | Mercury |
| Model | Panda | Comet |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1973 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1107 cc | 3271 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 83 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 88 Nm | 205 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70 mm | 93.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 915 kg | 1220 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3540 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1550 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2630 mm |
