1961 Mercedes-Benz 220 vs. 1978 Datsun 260Z
To start off, 1978 Datsun 260Z is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Mercedes-Benz 220. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Mercedes-Benz 220 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 43 more horse power than 1961 Mercedes-Benz 220. (120 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Datsun 260Z should accelerate faster than 1961 Mercedes-Benz 220. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 Mercedes-Benz 220 weights approximately 210 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, 1978 Datsun 260Z (213 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Mercedes-Benz 220. (189 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 1978 Datsun 260Z will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Mercedes-Benz 220.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Mercedes-Benz 220 | 1978 Datsun 260Z | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Datsun |
| Model | 220 | 260Z |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2195 cc | 2565 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 189 Nm | 213 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.8 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.7:1 | 8.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 170 km/hour | 204 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 13.1 seconds | 8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1410 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4890 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2581 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 60 L |
