1951 Buick 40 vs. 1978 Datsun 260Z
To start off, 1978 Datsun 260Z is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1951 Buick 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1951 Buick 40 would be higher. At 4,066 cc (8 cylinders), 1951 Buick 40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Datsun 260Z (163 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1951 Buick 40. (119 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Datsun 260Z should accelerate faster than 1951 Buick 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1951 Buick 40 weights approximately 435 kg more than 1978 Datsun 260Z.
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, 1951 Buick 40 (292 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 79 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Datsun 260Z. (213 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1951 Buick 40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Datsun 260Z.
Compare all specifications:
| 1951 Buick 40 | 1978 Datsun 260Z | |
| Make | Buick | Datsun |
| Model | 40 | 260Z |
| Year Released | 1951 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4066 cc | 2565 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 119 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 292 Nm | 213 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78.5 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 104.8 mm | 79 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1635 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3090 mm | 2581 mm |
