1973 Ford Fairlane vs. 1978 Datsun 260Z
To start off, 1978 Datsun 260Z is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Ford Fairlane. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Ford Fairlane would be higher. At 4,097 cc (6 cylinders), 1973 Ford Fairlane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Datsun 260Z (163 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 1973 Ford Fairlane. (150 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Datsun 260Z should accelerate faster than 1973 Ford Fairlane. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Ford Fairlane weights approximately 250 kg more than 1978 Datsun 260Z.
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, 1973 Ford Fairlane (339 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 126 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Datsun 260Z. (213 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1973 Ford Fairlane will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Datsun 260Z.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Ford Fairlane | 1978 Datsun 260Z | |
| Make | Ford | Datsun |
| Model | Fairlane | 260Z |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4097 cc | 2565 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 339 Nm | 213 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.5 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99.3 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.3:1 | 8.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5060 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2581 mm |
