1972 Ford LTD vs. 1978 Datsun 280Z
To start off, 1978 Datsun 280Z is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Ford LTD. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Ford LTD would be higher. At 3,927 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 Ford LTD is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Ford LTD (163 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 1978 Datsun 280Z. (150 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 Ford LTD should accelerate faster than 1978 Datsun 280Z. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Ford LTD weights approximately 495 kg more than 1978 Datsun 280Z. 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, 1972 Ford LTD (376 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 155 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Datsun 280Z. (221 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1972 Ford LTD will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Datsun 280Z.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Ford LTD | 1978 Datsun 280Z | |
| Make | Ford | Datsun |
| Model | LTD | 280Z |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3927 cc | 2753 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 376 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 8.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1695 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5550 mm | 4399 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1631 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3090 mm | 2304 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 83 L | 60 L |
