1970 Ford Capri 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 Ford Capri. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Ford Capri would be higher. At 2,994 cc (6 cylinders), 1970 Ford Capri is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Datsun 280Z (150 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1970 Ford Capri. (138 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Datsun 280Z should accelerate faster than 1970 Ford Capri. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Datsun 280Z weights approximately 201 kg more than 1970 Ford Capri. 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 Ford Capri (236 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Datsun 280Z. (221 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1970 Ford Capri 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 Ford Capri has manual transmission. 1970 Ford Capri 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 Ford Capri | 1978 Datsun 280Z | |
| Make | Ford | Datsun |
| Model | Capri | 280Z |
| Year Released | 1970 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2994 cc | 2753 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 236 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.7 mm | 86.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.4 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.9:1 | 8.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1103 kg | 1304 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4399 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1631 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2304 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 58 L | 60 L |
