2009 Honda Civic vs. 1974 Mercury Comet
To start off, 2009 Honda Civic 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 3,272 cc (6 cylinders), 1974 Mercury Comet is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Honda Civic (140 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 1974 Mercury Comet. (83 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1974 Mercury Comet. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Honda Civic weights approximately 241 kg more than 1974 Mercury Comet. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 Honda Civic, 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, 1974 Mercury Comet (206 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 32 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Honda Civic. (174 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1974 Mercury Comet will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Honda Civic | 1974 Mercury Comet | |
| Make | Honda | Mercury |
| Model | Civic | Comet |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1799 cc | 3272 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 83 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1461 kg | 1220 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2630 mm |
