1959 Porsche 356 vs. 1978 Datsun 260Z
To start off, 1978 Datsun 260Z is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Porsche 356. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Porsche 356 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 88 more horse power than 1959 Porsche 356. (75 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Datsun 260Z should accelerate faster than 1959 Porsche 356. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Datsun 260Z weights approximately 362 kg more than 1959 Porsche 356. 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 94 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Porsche 356. (119 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 1978 Datsun 260Z will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Porsche 356. 1978 Datsun 260Z has automatic transmission and 1959 Porsche 356 has manual transmission. 1959 Porsche 356 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:
| 1959 Porsche 356 | 1978 Datsun 260Z | |
| Make | Porsche | Datsun |
| Model | 356 | 260Z |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1582 cc | 2565 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Horse Power | 75 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 119 Nm | 213 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.5 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 74 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 8.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 838 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2110 mm | 2581 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 60 L |
