1969 Ford Zephyr vs. 1978 Datsun 280Z
To start off, 1978 Datsun 280Z is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Ford Zephyr. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Ford Zephyr would be higher. At 2,753 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Datsun 280Z is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Datsun 280Z (150 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 69 more horse power than 1969 Ford Zephyr. (81 HP @ 4750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Datsun 280Z should accelerate faster than 1969 Ford Zephyr. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1969 Ford Zephyr weights approximately 50 kg more than 1978 Datsun 280Z.
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 280Z (221 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 68 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Ford Zephyr. (153 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 1978 Datsun 280Z will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Ford Zephyr.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Ford Zephyr | 1978 Datsun 280Z | |
| Make | Ford | Datsun |
| Model | Zephyr | 280Z |
| Year Released | 1969 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2753 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 153 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.7 mm | 86.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.4 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4399 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1631 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2930 mm | 2304 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 41 L | 60 L |
