1970 AMC Gremlin vs. 1978 Datsun 280Z
To start off, 1978 Datsun 280Z is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 AMC Gremlin. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 AMC Gremlin would be higher. At 3,800 cc (6 cylinders), 1970 AMC Gremlin is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Datsun 280Z (150 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1970 AMC Gremlin. (100 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Datsun 280Z should accelerate faster than 1970 AMC Gremlin. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Datsun 280Z weights approximately 33 kg more than 1970 AMC Gremlin. 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, 1970 AMC Gremlin (251 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Datsun 280Z. (221 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1970 AMC Gremlin will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Datsun 280Z. 1978 Datsun 280Z has automatic transmission and 1970 AMC Gremlin has manual transmission. 1970 AMC Gremlin will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Datsun 280Z will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 AMC Gremlin | 1978 Datsun 280Z | |
| Make | AMC | Datsun |
| Model | Gremlin | 280Z |
| Year Released | 1970 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3800 cc | 2753 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 86.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 8.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1167 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 4399 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1631 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2304 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 60 L |
