1970 Ford Cortina vs. 1975 Datsun 280Z
To start off, 1975 Datsun 280Z is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Ford Cortina would be higher. At 2,753 cc (6 cylinders), 1975 Datsun 280Z is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1975 Datsun 280Z (150 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 1970 Ford Cortina. (68 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1975 Datsun 280Z should accelerate faster than 1970 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1975 Datsun 280Z weights approximately 240 kg more than 1970 Ford Cortina. 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, 1975 Datsun 280Z (221 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 106 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Ford Cortina. (115 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1975 Datsun 280Z will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Ford Cortina. 1975 Datsun 280Z has automatic transmission and 1970 Ford Cortina has manual transmission. 1970 Ford Cortina will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1975 Datsun 280Z will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Ford Cortina | 1975 Datsun 280Z | |
| Make | Ford | Datsun |
| Model | Cortina | 280Z |
| Year Released | 1970 | 1975 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1599 cc | 2753 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 68 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 115 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 86.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.6 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 960 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4399 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1631 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2304 mm |
