1968 Buick Riviera vs. 1978 Datsun 280Z

To start off, 1978 Datsun 280Z is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Buick Riviera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Buick Riviera would be higher. At 7,050 cc (8 cylinders), 1968 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Buick Riviera (305 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 155 more horse power than 1978 Datsun 280Z. (150 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1968 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1978 Datsun 280Z. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Buick Riviera weights approximately 700 kg more than 1978 Datsun 280Z. 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, 1968 Buick Riviera (645 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 424 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Datsun 280Z. (221 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1968 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Datsun 280Z.

Compare all specifications:

1968 Buick Riviera 1978 Datsun 280Z
Make Buick Datsun
Model Riviera 280Z
Year Released 1968 1978
Body Type Coupe Hatchback
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 7050 cc 2753 cc
Engine Cylinders 8 cylinders 6 cylinders
Engine Type in-line in-line
Horse Power 305 HP 150 HP
Engine RPM 5000 RPM 5600 RPM
Torque 645 Nm 221 Nm
Torque RPM 3200 RPM 4400 RPM
Engine Bore Size 106.2 mm 86.1 mm
Engine Stroke Size 99.4 mm 79 mm
Fuel Type Gasoline Gasoline
Drive Type Rear Rear
Transmission Type Automatic Automatic
Number of Seats 4 seats 2 seats
Number of Doors 2 doors 3 doors
Vehicle Weight 1900 kg 1200 kg
Vehicle Length 5370 mm 4399 mm
Vehicle Width 2020 mm 1631 mm
Wheelbase Size 3030 mm 2304 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 75 L 60 L


 

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