1973 Fiat 500 vs. 1978 Datsun 280Z
To start off, 1978 Datsun 280Z is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 2,753 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Datsun 280Z is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Datsun 280Z (150 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 132 more horse power than 1973 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Datsun 280Z should accelerate faster than 1973 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Datsun 280Z weights approximately 794 kg more than 1973 Fiat 500. 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, 1978 Datsun 280Z (221 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 194 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Fiat 500. (27 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1978 Datsun 280Z will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Fiat 500 | 1978 Datsun 280Z | |
| Make | Fiat | Datsun |
| Model | 500 | 280Z |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 2753 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 18 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 27 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 67.4 mm | 86.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 79 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 510 kg | 1304 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4399 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1631 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2304 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 22 L | 60 L |
