1974 Mercury Comet vs. 1976 Datsun 260Z
To start off, 1976 Datsun 260Z is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Mercury Comet. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Mercury Comet would be higher. At 3,272 cc (6 cylinders), 1974 Mercury Comet is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Datsun 260Z (163 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 1974 Mercury Comet. (83 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1976 Datsun 260Z should accelerate faster than 1974 Mercury Comet. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Mercury Comet weights approximately 20 kg more than 1976 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, 1976 Datsun 260Z (213 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Mercury Comet. (206 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1976 Datsun 260Z will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Mercury Comet.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Mercury Comet | 1976 Datsun 260Z | |
| Make | Mercury | Datsun |
| Model | Comet | 260Z |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1976 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3272 cc | 2565 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 83 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 206 Nm | 213 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.5 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 79 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1220 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2581 mm |
