2009 Kia Spectra vs. 1973 Mercury Comet
To start off, 2009 Kia Spectra 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, 2009 Kia Spectra (138 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1973 Mercury Comet. (83 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Kia Spectra should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercury Comet. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Kia Spectra weights approximately 295 kg more than 1973 Mercury Comet. 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 Kia Spectra, 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 21 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Kia Spectra. (184 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1973 Mercury Comet will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Kia Spectra.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Kia Spectra | 1973 Mercury Comet | |
| Make | Kia | Mercury |
| Model | Spectra | Comet |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1973 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1975 cc | 3271 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 83 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 184 Nm | 205 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 93.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1515 kg | 1220 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2630 mm |
