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 2,780 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 150 more horse power than 1972 Mercury Comet. (82 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 38 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Mercury Comet. (178 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 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1306 cc | 2780 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 232 HP | 82 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 216 Nm | 178 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 4800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2800 mm |
