1976 Mercury Cougar vs. 1974 Datsun 260Z
To start off, 1976 Mercury Cougar is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Datsun 260Z. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Datsun 260Z would be higher. At 5,766 cc (8 cylinders), 1976 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Datsun 260Z (163 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1976 Mercury Cougar. (152 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Datsun 260Z should accelerate faster than 1976 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 830 kg more than 1974 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 Mercury Cougar (377 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 164 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Datsun 260Z. (213 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1976 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Datsun 260Z.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Mercury Cougar | 1974 Datsun 260Z | |
| Make | Mercury | Datsun |
| Model | Cougar | 260Z |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5766 cc | 2565 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 152 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 377 Nm | 213 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2030 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2581 mm |
