1999 Mercury Sable vs. 1976 Datsun 260Z
To start off, 1999 Mercury Sable is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Datsun 260Z. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Datsun 260Z would be higher. At 2,986 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 Mercury Sable is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Datsun 260Z (163 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1999 Mercury Sable. (153 HP @ 4900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1976 Datsun 260Z should accelerate faster than 1999 Mercury Sable. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Mercury Sable weights approximately 310 kg more than 1976 Datsun 260Z.
Because 1976 Datsun 260Z is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1976 Datsun 260Z. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Mercury Sable, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1999 Mercury Sable (251 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 38 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Datsun 260Z. (213 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1999 Mercury Sable will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Datsun 260Z.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Mercury Sable | 1976 Datsun 260Z | |
| Make | Mercury | Datsun |
| Model | Sable | 260Z |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1976 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 2565 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 213 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 79 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 6 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1510 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5100 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2581 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 60 L |
