1963 Mercedes-Benz 300 vs. 1978 Datsun 260Z
To start off, 1978 Datsun 260Z is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 Mercedes-Benz 300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 Mercedes-Benz 300 would be higher. At 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 1963 Mercedes-Benz 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1963 Mercedes-Benz 300 (238 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 75 more horse power than 1978 Datsun 260Z. (163 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1963 Mercedes-Benz 300 should accelerate faster than 1978 Datsun 260Z. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1963 Mercedes-Benz 300 weights approximately 285 kg more than 1978 Datsun 260Z. 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, 1963 Mercedes-Benz 300 (271 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 58 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Datsun 260Z. (213 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1963 Mercedes-Benz 300 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Datsun 260Z.
Compare all specifications:
| 1963 Mercedes-Benz 300 | 1978 Datsun 260Z | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Datsun |
| Model | 300 | 260Z |
| Year Released | 1963 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2996 cc | 2565 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 238 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 213 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85.1 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.3:1 | 8.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10 seconds | 8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1100 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4580 mm | 4135 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 100 L | 60 L |
