1972 Mercedes-Benz 450 vs. 1978 Datsun 260Z
To start off, 1978 Datsun 260Z is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Mercedes-Benz 450. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Mercedes-Benz 450 would be higher. At 4,519 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Mercedes-Benz 450 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Mercedes-Benz 450 (217 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 1978 Datsun 260Z. (163 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 Mercedes-Benz 450 should accelerate faster than 1978 Datsun 260Z. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Mercedes-Benz 450 weights approximately 530 kg more than 1978 Datsun 260Z. 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 Mercedes-Benz 450 (359 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 146 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Datsun 260Z. (213 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1972 Mercedes-Benz 450 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Datsun 260Z.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Mercedes-Benz 450 | 1978 Datsun 260Z | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Datsun |
| Model | 450 | 260Z |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4519 cc | 2565 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 217 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 359 Nm | 213 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 8.3:1 |
| Top Speed | 210 km/hour | 204 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.3 seconds | 8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1630 kg | 1100 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4135 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 60 L |
