1979 Datsun 280 vs. 1972 Mercury Comet
To start off, 1979 Datsun 280 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Mercury Comet. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Mercury Comet would be higher. At 2,780 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 Mercury Comet is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Datsun 280 (140 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 1972 Mercury Comet. (82 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Datsun 280 should accelerate faster than 1972 Mercury Comet. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Datsun 280 weights approximately 52 kg more than 1972 Mercury Comet. 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, 1979 Datsun 280 (202 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Mercury Comet. (178 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1979 Datsun 280 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Mercury Comet.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Datsun 280 | 1972 Mercury Comet | |
| Make | Datsun | Mercury |
| Model | 280 | Comet |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2751 cc | 2780 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 82 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 202 Nm | 178 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1272 kg | 1220 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 4800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2800 mm |
