1979 Datsun Laurel vs. 1980 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 1980 Mercury Cougar is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Datsun Laurel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Datsun Laurel would be higher. At 2,393 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 Datsun Laurel is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Datsun Laurel (113 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1980 Mercury Cougar. (90 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Datsun Laurel should accelerate faster than 1980 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 127 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, 1979 Datsun Laurel (175 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Mercury Cougar. (164 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1979 Datsun Laurel will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Datsun Laurel | 1980 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Datsun | Mercury |
| Model | Laurel | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2393 cc | 2301 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 175 Nm | 164 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73.7 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1188 kg | 1315 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2690 mm |
