2009 Ford Taurus X vs. 1974 Mercury Comet
To start off, 2009 Ford Taurus X is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Mercury Comet. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Mercury Comet would be higher. At 3,496 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Ford Taurus X is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford Taurus X (259 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 177 more horse power than 1974 Mercury Comet. (82 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Taurus X should accelerate faster than 1974 Mercury Comet. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Mercury Comet weights approximately 254 kg more than 2009 Ford Taurus X.
Because 1974 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 1974 Mercury Comet. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Ford Taurus X, 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 X (249 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 71 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Mercury Comet. (178 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Taurus X will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Mercury Comet. 2009 Ford Taurus X has automatic transmission and 1974 Mercury Comet has manual transmission. 1974 Mercury Comet will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Ford Taurus X will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Taurus X | 1974 Mercury Comet | |
| Make | Ford | Mercury |
| Model | Taurus X | Comet |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3496 cc | 2782 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 259 HP | 82 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 249 Nm | 178 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 6 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 1220 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5090 mm | 4800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1720 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2800 mm |
