2009 Mazda 3 vs. 1970 Mercury Comet
To start off, 2009 Mazda 3 is newer by 39 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Mercury Comet. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Mercury Comet would be higher. At 4,092 cc (6 cylinders), 1970 Mercury Comet is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda 3 (148 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1970 Mercury Comet. (98 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 1970 Mercury Comet. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mazda 3 weights approximately 70 kg more than 1970 Mercury Comet. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1970 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 1970 Mercury Comet. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Mazda 3, 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, 1970 Mercury Comet (248 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda 3. (187 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1970 Mercury Comet will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mazda 3 | 1970 Mercury Comet | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercury |
| Model | 3 | Comet |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1970 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1999 cc | 4092 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 98 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 187 Nm | 248 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.5 mm | 93.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.1 mm | 99.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1340 kg | 1270 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2630 mm |
