1950 Ford Zephyr vs. 1978 Datsun 260Z
To start off, 1978 Datsun 260Z is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1950 Ford Zephyr. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1950 Ford Zephyr would be higher. At 2,565 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Datsun 260Z is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Datsun 260Z (163 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 106 more horse power than 1950 Ford Zephyr. (57 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Datsun 260Z should accelerate faster than 1950 Ford Zephyr. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Datsun 260Z weights approximately 55 kg more than 1950 Ford Zephyr. 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, 1978 Datsun 260Z (213 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 62 more torque (in Nm) than 1950 Ford Zephyr. (151 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1978 Datsun 260Z will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1950 Ford Zephyr. 1978 Datsun 260Z has automatic transmission and 1950 Ford Zephyr has manual transmission. 1950 Ford Zephyr will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Datsun 260Z will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1950 Ford Zephyr | 1978 Datsun 260Z | |
| Make | Ford | Datsun |
| Model | Zephyr | 260Z |
| Year Released | 1950 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2262 cc | 2565 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 57 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 151 Nm | 213 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79.4 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 6.8:1 | 8.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 130 km/hour | 204 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1145 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1550 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2581 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 60 L |
