1979 Datsun Laurel vs. 1972 Mercury Comet
To start off, 1979 Datsun Laurel 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 2,782 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 Mercury Comet is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Datsun Laurel (113 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1972 Mercury Comet. (81 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Datsun Laurel should accelerate faster than 1972 Mercury Comet. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Mercury Comet weights approximately 36 kg more than 1979 Datsun Laurel.
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, both vehicles can yield 175 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Datsun Laurel | 1972 Mercury Comet | |
| Make | Datsun | Mercury |
| Model | Laurel | Comet |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2393 cc | 2782 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 175 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1188 kg | 1224 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2630 mm |
