1977 Datsun 280 vs. 1968 Mercury Montclair
To start off, 1977 Datsun 280 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Mercury Montclair. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Mercury Montclair would be higher. At 6,393 cc (8 cylinders), 1968 Mercury Montclair is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Mercury Montclair (267 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 142 more horse power than 1977 Datsun 280. (125 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1968 Mercury Montclair should accelerate faster than 1977 Datsun 280. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Mercury Montclair weights approximately 623 kg more than 1977 Datsun 280. 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 Montclair (546 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 349 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Datsun 280. (197 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1968 Mercury Montclair will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Datsun 280.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 Datsun 280 | 1968 Mercury Montclair | |
| Make | Datsun | Mercury |
| Model | 280 | Montclair |
| Year Released | 1977 | 1968 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2751 cc | 6393 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 125 HP | 267 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 197 Nm | 546 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 103 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 96 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1375 kg | 1998 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 5560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1990 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 3130 mm |
