2009 Mazda RX-8 vs. 1972 Mercury Comet
To start off, 2009 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Mercury Comet. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Mercury Comet would be higher. At 2,782 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 Mercury Comet is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda RX-8 (232 HP @ 8500 RPM) has 151 more horse power than 1972 Mercury Comet. (81 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1972 Mercury Comet.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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 Mazda RX-8 (216 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Mercury Comet. (175 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2009 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Mercury Comet.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mazda RX-8 | 1972 Mercury Comet | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercury |
| Model | RX-8 | Comet |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1972 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1306 cc | 2782 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 232 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 216 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2630 mm |
