1972 Mercury Cougar vs. 1978 Datsun 280Z
To start off, 1978 Datsun 280Z is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 5,769 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Mercury Cougar (167 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1978 Datsun 280Z. (150 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1978 Datsun 280Z. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 456 kg more than 1978 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, 1972 Mercury Cougar (363 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 142 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Datsun 280Z. (221 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1972 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Datsun 280Z.
Compare all specifications:
1972 Mercury Cougar | 1978 Datsun 280Z | |
Make | Mercury | Datsun |
Model | Cougar | 280Z |
Year Released | 1972 | 1978 |
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 | 167 HP | 150 HP |
Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
Torque | 363 Nm | 221 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4400 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 86.1 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 88.8 mm | 79 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1656 kg | 1200 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5080 mm | 4399 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1631 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2304 mm |