1970 Chevrolet Impala 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 Chevrolet Impala. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Chevrolet Impala would be higher. At 4,093 cc (6 cylinders), 1970 Chevrolet Impala is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Datsun 280Z (150 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1970 Chevrolet Impala. (110 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Datsun 280Z should accelerate faster than 1970 Chevrolet Impala. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Chevrolet Impala weights approximately 411 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, 1970 Chevrolet Impala (251 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Datsun 280Z. (221 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1970 Chevrolet Impala 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 Chevrolet Impala has manual transmission. 1970 Chevrolet Impala 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 Chevrolet Impala | 1978 Datsun 280Z | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Datsun |
| Model | Impala | 280Z |
| Year Released | 1970 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4093 cc | 2753 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 98.2 mm | 86.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.6 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 8.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1715 kg | 1304 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5600 mm | 4399 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2030 mm | 1631 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3100 mm | 2304 mm |
