1968 Mercury Cougar vs. 1975 Datsun 280Z
To start off, 1975 Datsun 280Z is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 5,769 cc (8 cylinders), 1968 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Mercury Cougar (194 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1975 Datsun 280Z. (150 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1968 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1975 Datsun 280Z. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 296 kg more than 1975 Datsun 280Z. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1968 Mercury Cougar (297 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 76 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Datsun 280Z. (221 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1968 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Datsun 280Z.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Mercury Cougar | 1975 Datsun 280Z | |
| Make | Mercury | Datsun |
| Model | Cougar | 280Z |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1975 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5769 cc | 2753 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 194 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 297 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1600 kg | 1304 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 4399 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1631 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2304 mm |
