2010 Mercury Mountaineer vs. 1976 Datsun 280Z
To start off, 2010 Mercury Mountaineer is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Datsun 280Z. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Datsun 280Z would be higher. At 4,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2010 Mercury Mountaineer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Mercury Mountaineer (210 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 1976 Datsun 280Z. (150 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2010 Mercury Mountaineer should accelerate faster than 1976 Datsun 280Z. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Mercury Mountaineer weights approximately 749 kg more than 1976 Datsun 280Z. 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, 2010 Mercury Mountaineer (344 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 123 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Datsun 280Z. (221 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2010 Mercury Mountaineer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Datsun 280Z. 2010 Mercury Mountaineer has automatic transmission and 1976 Datsun 280Z has manual transmission. 1976 Datsun 280Z will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2010 Mercury Mountaineer will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2010 Mercury Mountaineer | 1976 Datsun 280Z | |
| Make | Mercury | Datsun |
| Model | Mountaineer | 280Z |
| Year Released | 2010 | 1976 |
| Body Type | SUV | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4000 cc | 2753 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 344 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2053 kg | 1304 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4915 mm | 4399 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1872 mm | 1631 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2888 mm | 2304 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 60 L |
