2009 Ford Taurus vs. 1973 Mercury Comet
To start off, 2009 Ford Taurus 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 3,496 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Ford Taurus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford Taurus (263 HP @ 6251 RPM) has 180 more horse power than 1973 Mercury Comet. (83 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercury Comet. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercury Comet weights approximately 110 kg more than 2009 Ford Taurus.
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 Ford Taurus, 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, 2009 Ford Taurus (338 Nm @ 4501 RPM) has 133 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Mercury Comet. (205 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Mercury Comet.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Taurus | 1973 Mercury Comet | |
| Make | Ford | Mercury |
| Model | Taurus | Comet |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1973 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3496 cc | 3271 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 263 HP | 83 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6251 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 338 Nm | 205 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4501 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1110 kg | 1220 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5130 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2630 mm |
