1969 Mercury Montego vs. 1978 Datsun 260Z
To start off, 1978 Datsun 260Z is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Mercury Montego. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Mercury Montego would be higher. At 4,945 cc (8 cylinders), 1969 Mercury Montego is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Datsun 260Z (163 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1969 Mercury Montego. (142 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Datsun 260Z should accelerate faster than 1969 Mercury Montego. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1969 Mercury Montego weights approximately 675 kg more than 1978 Datsun 260Z.
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, 1969 Mercury Montego (335 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 122 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Datsun 260Z. (213 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1969 Mercury Montego will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Datsun 260Z. 1978 Datsun 260Z has automatic transmission and 1969 Mercury Montego has manual transmission. 1969 Mercury Montego will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Datsun 260Z will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Mercury Montego | 1978 Datsun 260Z | |
| Make | Mercury | Datsun |
| Model | Montego | 260Z |
| Year Released | 1969 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4945 cc | 2565 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 142 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 335 Nm | 213 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 79 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 6 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1775 kg | 1100 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5300 mm | 4135 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3010 mm | 2310 mm |
